‘All victims of paedo Shine need closure’
Compensation ‘crucial to move on’
A VICTIM of paedophile surgeon Michael Shine has hit out at news some of the twisted doctor’s victims may not receive compensation.
Serial predator Shine was jailed for four years in February 2019 for sexually assaulting seven boys over three decades.
It emerged this week a multi-million euro compensation deal for victims is in doubt.
Victim Patrick Cusack, 59, from Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan, was abused by evil Shine at the age of 11.
The schoolboy was referred to see Shine at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth, after complaining of stomach cramps.
He was taken into a consultation room with Shine while his own parents waited outside. It was during this time the child was abused.
Mr Cusack, who received compensation a number of years ago, said it’s important all those abused by Shine receive damages.
He told the Irish Sunday Mirror: “With most of these cases they would never get a criminal case so this is it for them. This will give closure for so many.
“This settlement is crucial for these people to find closure and, like ourselves, be able to move on with our lives.” Speaking about the ordeal of facing his abuser in court, Mr Cusack said despite it being difficult, the conviction gave him a new lease on life.
He added: “I was nearly two days in the box under cross-examination. It covered the period from 1974 to 1985 when I went in with meningitis.”
Earlier this month, the High Court was told by lawyers representing more than 100 claimants a settlement had been agreed by the former operators of the hospital where the disgraced former surgeon worked.
This deal between the Medical Missionaries of Mercy and victims appeared to mark the end of an eightyear battle for compensation.
However, lawyers for the religious order which operated the hospital at time claim the court should not have been told there was a settlement for the allegations dating between 1964 and 1995.
Mr Cusack said not all people were so happy about Shine being sent to prison. He added: “I have had people come up to me on the streets and say, ‘Do you not feel any guilt about putting that poor man away?’
“I say to them back, ‘Well if it happened to your child or your brother or sister or grandchild I’m sure you would have a different
viewpoint’.”