Call for Witnesses

Koffels Solicitors & Barristers is seeking information from former students and staff of St Pius X High School, Adamstown (Newcastle), regarding institutional child sexual abuse involving Father Thomas (“Tom”) Brennan, a former principal at St Pius between 1973 and 1983. We are reaching out to anyone who may have relevant information that could assist our investigations and support Survivors.

Why this matters

St Pius X has a documented history of child sexual abuse by clergy and staff during the 1970s and 1980s. In 2018, the Diocese of Maitland–Newcastle issued a formal letter of apology acknowledging that Fr Brennan himself sexually abused students while principal. This followed earlier charges laid against him in 2012 for concealing child sexual abuse and for indecent assault, though he died before the matters were finalised. Independent inquiries such as the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse have also documented how complaints were mishandled at the school and within the Diocese more broadly.

What is already known

Father Thomas Brennan (former principal)

• Role and timeline: Principal at St Pius X from 1973–1983.
• Charges: In 2012 he was charged with failing to report serious child sex offences and with indecent assault relating to abuse in the 1980s.
• Earlier police action: As early as 2009, Fr Brennan was investigated for giving a false statement to police about abuse at St Pius X.
• Acknowledgment by the Church: In 2018, a diocesan letter confirmed he sexually abused students during his tenure.

Father John Sidney Denham (teacher/priest at St Pius)

Another key figure was Father John Denham, who worked at St Pius in the mid-to-late 1970s. Denham was ultimately convicted of abusing at least 57 boys, some as young as five. Court findings described his crimes as “sadistic” and referred to the school at the time as a “paedophilic smorgasbord”. Sentencing judges also noted that when complaints were raised, Fr Brennan at best did nothing and at worst caned the boys who reported the abuse.

How your information can help

Even if you were not directly abused, your memories of who was on staff, how complaints were handled, and the school environment between 1973 and 1983 may help to corroborate evidence. Old newsletters, yearbooks, or letters can also provide crucial timelines.

Confidential contact at Koffels

If you, or someone you know, has information relating to Father Tom Brennan or the environment at St Pius X, Adamstown, we invite you to contact Natalia Lapthorne (Special Counsel) for a confidential discussion. Natalia has more than 20 years’ experience assisting Survivors with sensitivity and respect.

Call us on +61 2 9283 5599 or complete the free and confidential call-back form below.