A member of the Brothers of Charity who was novitiate master and head of the order's Belmont Park Centre in Waterford city has surrendered himself to virtual house arrest and pledged never again to work anywhere near young people. The pledge was given at Waterford Circuit Court yesterday by Brother Denis Quirke (55), with an address at Kilcoran House, Clarinbridge, Co Galway, and now based in Rome, when he pleaded guilty to charges of indecent assault, gross indecency and buggery.
The offences were committed against a young boy in Waterford city and county between 1985 and 1987.
The brother was remanded in custody by Judge Olive Buttimer until July 13th pending the completion of a victim impact study on the victim who was 13 years old when he was befriended by the accused when he joined a prayer group at the Belmont Centre in 1985.
Quirke previously served 14 months of an 18-month sentence imposed in 1997 when he was convicted at Clonmel Circuit Court of gross indecency against a young boy with learning disabilities.
When that sentence was being handed down the seven charges which were the subject of yesterday's court hearing were mentioned.
No evidence was given at the time because the Waterford victim could not be traced as he had changed his name and moved away from the city.