Survivor of evil paedo Michael Shine reveals fury over Govt report after 17-yr justice fight as 404 victims identified

A SURVIVOR of evil paedophile Michael Shine has said he is “sceptical” of a new Government probe.

Pat Cusack was just 11 when Shine abused him at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

A report published on Thursday by Senior Counsel Lorcan Staines, recommended the immediate establishment of a Commission of Investigation to examine the former surgeon and the response of various authorities.

It is believed that 404 victims of Shine have been identified.

Survivor Pat Cusack was just 11-years-old when Shine, who he has described as the most prolific paedophile that Europe has ever seen, abused him at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda after being referred to see him with severe stomach cramps.

He was brought into a consultation room with the former surgeon while his own parents waited outside and it was during this time the sexual abuse took place.

Shine, who groped seven boys over three decades, was found guilty in February 2019 of 12 charges of indecent assault and one charge of sexual assault and was freed after just three years in the Midlands Prison in Co Laois.

In November 2017, he was also found guilty on three counts of assaulting two teenage patients on dates between 1974 and 1976 and given a 20 month sentence.

The offences took place as he examined patients at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth, and at two private clinics in the town between 1971 and 1992.

Speaking from his home in Shercock, Co Cavan, Mr Cusack said: “I thought that I had put the whole saga behind me somewhat but the last few days since reading the report has stirred up and infuriated me all over again.

“I just hope that the Government delivers but I am very sceptical as regard any of their actions.

“I am also somewhat perplexed as regard the earlier review that has been left under lock and key still and maybe will be looked at after a Commission of Inquiry.

“It’s now 17 years after we exposed him, we heard more promises from every side then and 99 per cent reneged on their promises.

“It feels like the same all over again sadly. I feel so sad for all the lads who died hurting and to the survivors who are still hurting.”

Meanwhile, the Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said she “hopes” a Commission of Investigation into disgraced surgeon Shine will be able to answer why nobody stopped his abuse.