by Scott Grech
21-8-2011
Lawrence Grech, one of 11 victims sexually abused in his youth by priests at St Joseph’s Home in Ħamrun, will tomorrow file a counter protest against Fr Conrad Sciberras, another priest who is alleged to have committed sexual offences against young boys.
“I and the other victims have nothing to hide and we stand by what we have already said about Fr Sciberras and his behaviour during our upbringing,” said 40-year old Mr Grech yesterday when contacted.
Last Tuesday, Fr Conrad Sciberras, a member of the Missionary Society of St Paul (MSSP), filed a judicial protest against Mr Grech, complaining about sexual abuse allegations that Mr Grech was making about him.
Fr Sciberras has been investigated by the Curia’s Response Team over sex abuse claims and a letter sent by the MSSP to the victims last year noted that the allegations against Fr Sciberras and two other priests were “founded”.
However, in the judicial protest, Fr Sciberras said that there have never been criminal proceedings against him, and he complained about the seriousness of the sex abuse allegations made against him by Mr Grech. Moreover, he commented that Mr Grech has lied blatantly and changed his version of events about the allegations several times.
“Mr Grech expects the media and the public to believe him without them having heard the priest’s version,” his lawyer wrote in the judicial protest.
Two priests, Fr Francesco, also known as Godwin Scerri, 75, and (defrocked) Carmelo Pulis, 66, were recently given prison sentences of five and six-years respectively after being found guilty of defiling teenage boys at two homes belonging to the MSSP. A third accused, Bro. Joseph Bonnet, passed way earlier this year before the verdict was given.
Mr Grech will file the counter protest through his lawyer, Dr Patrick Valentino, who has represented the victims since 2003.
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