A Western Australian man who engaged Rightside Legal to represent him in relation to “degrading” and “humiliating” sexual abuse by Christian Brothers in WA orphanages has been awarded more than $1.3 million in damages in what has been described as a “landmark” decision.
John Thomas Lawrence, 75, was the first child sex abuse survivor to testify about his ordeal since WA removed time limits on courts being able to determine historical sexual abuse cases in 2018.
The $1.32 million payment is believed to be the highest ever ordered by a court against the Christian Brothers religious order.
“John was incredibly brave and persistent in seeing his claim through to the end and holding the Christian Brothers to account,” said Michael Magazanik from Rightside Legal.
“Seeing John’s determination to seek justice, and his endurance and grit, is an inspiration to all of us.”
The payment surpasses the $1 million settlement won by dying man Paul Bradshaw in 2018 for abuse also suffered at Clontarf and Castledare. Mr Bradshaw was also represented by Rightside.
Read the full article on ABC News.