The Lismore Trinity College community is in shock after discovering that one of its former teachers has been arrested in Cambodia on alleged pedophile offences.
Garry Mulroy, 69, now lives in Siem Reap where he has been co-ordinating ‘immersion courses’ for students of the school.
According to Cambodian media he was arrested on Tuesday last week for allegedly paying six boys aged between 11 and 14 for sex.
There is no suggestion that Mr Mulroy had sex with any of the students at Trinity. He was widely admired by students and staff during his time there.
The school has cancelled its forthcoming immersion tour and wrote to parents and students on Friday about the matter.
Students were also called to a briefing on Monday.
In Friday’s letter, principal Brother John Hilet, wrote, ‘a former member of staff of Trinity Catholic College Lismore has been arrested in Cambodia in relation to alleged child sexual abuse matters. The incidents relate solely to Cambodia. The college first became aware of the arrest on February 1, 2019. As a result of this, we have cancelled the Cambodia immersion.
Br Hilet added that, ‘all members of staff are inducted regularly into all areas of child protection. This includes a comprehensive presentation that takes place annually, the most recent presentation to staff having taken place on January 30, 2019’.
A media statement from the school stated that ‘as a result of the allegations and media reports about them the school had cancelled the immersion and informed parents about the media reports’.
‘The principal yesterday met with staff and students regarding the media reports and the college has put in place counselling and support for staff and students.’
It further added that ‘the school encourages anyone who has information regarding child sexual abuse to take the matters directly to police. They are in the best position to investigate the matter fully and objectively.’
This is not surprising! As a former Trinity student I felt suspicious about Garry “Gus” Mulroy. I did not like the way . that he attracted young male students around him. It felt very weird. Other media reports said that he became sick and was hospitalized when arrested. The prospect of 20 years in a Cambodian jail must have made him feel ill. But, the presumption of innocence until found guilty must be upheld. My former teachers who worked with Mulroy must be appalled and shattered.
To John and anyone else who would like to pile on here, speaking as someone who has spent time with Garry and the six boys involved in this situation, I can assure you that on this occasion the accused is innocent. This is not an opinion from someone who doesn’t want to think badly of their friend. This is a categorical statement based on facts and first hand knowledge. There are a range of tragedies at play in this case, and the long term reputation and future relationships of a respected teacher and humanitarian are one of these. Anyone else tempted to cast stones from their lounge chair, imagine you were being charged with a fabricated crime for the purpose of financial extortion, and then imagine what having your future life destroyed by the court of public opinion would feel like.
As an addendum, John, your comment about not liking the way your old teacher attracted young male students around him is exactly the salacious sentiments that would give any mature man in the community self preserving reservations about ever volunteering to coach a sport team, mentor students or provide any extra-curricular assistance to their community. Garry Mulroy has been providing those above and beyond services for decades without reproach.
You state ” I can assure you that on this occasion the accused is innocent. This is not an opinion from someone who doesn’t want to think badly of their friend. This is a categorical statement based on facts and first hand knowledge.”. I am aware of your voluntary work with pharmacy in Siem Riep. You cannot make a categorical statement in support unless you were living in Mulroy’s house observing these 6 boys last November. Cambodia is one of the most corrupt countries in the world. For the sake of Mulroy it is to be hoped that there is some integrity left in the Cambodian justice system.
I am the mother of a former student who had a lot to do with Gus. I’m sorry that I never personally thanked Gus for being such a good friend to my son. I just took it for granted. I hope I do get the chance to thank him personally one day. I believe that Gus played a major role in helping my son to become the confidant and successful man he is today.
George Pell claimed that he was completely innocent of child abuse too! He was supported by 2 former Prime Ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard
Well said Anita.
Was he ever a teacher in Sydney?
I am the mother of a former student who had a lot to do with Gus. I’m sorry that I never thanked Gus for being such a good friend to my son. I just took it for granted. I hope I do get the chance to thank him personally one day. I believe Gus played a major role in helping my son to become the confidant and successful man he is today.
Well said Anitra and Lyn. This guy has helped young kids and the corrupt locals have seen an opportunity to extort him by labelling him a sex offender. Scary to think it could happen to anyone. The kids in the end will be the ones who miss out, every man will be too wary of getting falsely accused. I’d think twice about being a swim coach for kids etc after this. I hope the truth comes out and this poor bloke gets through it.
I was reminded about the plight of Garry Mulroy after the failure of George Pell’s appeal yesterday. Mulroy appears to have completely dropped off the radar. Is he still languishing in a Cambodian jail or has he … quietly returned to Lismore?
Why does an old man like to parade a photo of him self cuddling and surrounded by young boys in Cambodia. Pic was taken from his FB. To me this is not a normal behaviour in my eyes…