Institutional Child Abuse at St Carthage’s Primary Lismore
The Dark Past of St Carthage’s Primary and the Marist Brothers
St Carthage’s Primary School in Lismore, under the leadership of the Marist Brothers, has faced allegations and serious charges of child sexual abuse. Survivors who suffered at the hands of Brother Gregory Sutton and Brother John “Kostka” Chute have endured years of trauma. For many survivors, finding justice is not just about compensation but about recognition and closure for the harm done.
Brother Gregory Sutton and His Allegations
In 1985, Brother Gregory Sutton began teaching at St Carthage’s Primary School. Over two years, suspicions grew as Sutton was repeatedly seen inappropriately interacting with young students. Despite warnings from the school’s leadership, Sutton continued to engage in misconduct until he was removed from the school in 1987. Tragically, these warnings were ignored for too long, leading to more students being harmed under his care. In 1996, Sutton pleaded guilty to 67 child sex offences, with several victims from St Carthage’s Primary School.
Brother John “Kostka” Chute: A Repeated Failure of Institutional Oversight
Brother John Chute, another Marist Brother accused of abuse, was similarly shielded by the institution. Despite known allegations, Chute was transferred between multiple schools, including St Carthage’s, without any meaningful intervention. His repeated abuse and the lack of action by the Marist Brothers highlight a broader systemic failure.
Seeking Justice for Survivors of St Carthage’s Primary Abuse
The history of St. Carthage’s Primary and the Marist Brothers shows the long-standing pattern of institutional abuse that went unpunished for decades. Survivors now have the opportunity to seek justice and compensation for the suffering they endured. Through legal representation, many victims have successfully claimed compensation that provides financial relief and some degree of emotional closure.
At Koffels Solicitors and Barristers, we stand by survivors, helping them navigate the complex legal landscape to achieve the compensation they deserve. Our team has deep expertise in handling institutional abuse cases, ensuring that survivors receive the compassionate and professional support they need throughout the legal process.
Why Choose Koffels Solicitors for Your Compensation Claim?
- Experienced Team: We have a long history of successfully representing survivors of child sexual abuse, especially in cases involving the Marist Brothers and other Catholic institutions.
- Compassionate Support: We understand the sensitivity of these cases and work with you in a professional, confidential and supportive manner.
- No Win, No Fee: We offer a ‘no win, no fee’ service to help make justice accessible to all survivors.
Contact Us Today for a Confidential Consultation
If you or someone you know is a survivor of abuse at St Carthage’s Primary, now is the time to seek justice. Contact Koffels Solicitors and Barristers today at +612 9283 5599 or complete the call-back request form below and one of our historical abuse specialists will call you for a free and confidential consultation about your legal options.
