Imagine in this age of instant gratification, having to wait for something, anything for 45 years. Then think what it must be like to have to wait so long for something as fundamental as the truth.
Former Victoria Police detective, Denis Ryan, turned 86 last month.
In 1972, he was forced out of the Victoria Police Force after trying to bring the pedophile priest, Monsignor John Day, to justice.
Forty years later, Denis came to my home and together we wrote the book of that appalling story, Unholy Trinity: The Hunt for the Pedophile Priest Monsignor John Day”.
At the time I cautioned Denis about setting his expectations too high. The subject material of the book was so disturbing I doubted it would be a bestseller. To publisher Allen & Unwin’s credit they published anyway.
Full; column published here.
By the way, is there any chance of a formal apology by the Victorian Government, church, and courts for all those others who were failed by the cover-ups in Mildura and elsewhere and suffered horribly as a result (probably down the generations, too (I’m just hoping none of the abused ended up dishing it out and more themselves)) of that and the rest of the effects of the church-police-judicial nexus?
VicPol has apologised. The government would not be required to do so, IMO. Some members of the Catholic Church and within the Ballarat diocese have offered private apologies but nothing formal.
Formal apologies without a substantial cheque are not worth the paper they are written on.
It is the weasel way out Rhys.
Some “justice” as we might like to see these disgusting paedophiles get, Mr Insider, as here in this short clip from a Charles Bronson movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhi8IgUMxuA
Vale Ray Hughes. Would have loved to have gone to one of his long lunches. I’ve read that Bob Ellis had been a guest. Did you ever get to one, Jack?
I did go to one and it was very boozy. The lunches were held at Ray’s Gallery in Devonshire Street, Darlinghurst. Ray was a true eccentric and a great supporter of local artists. Vale.
I’m jealous but good stuff Jack it would have been an interesting experience. And I read his son will open a gallery in Woollhara (? sic). And if he has another go the young Hughes may have a chance at taking Malcolm’s seat.
A snazzy dresser was Ray!
Footy tips Jack
Will do now.
I hope that Milton notes that I picked the winner in the Chelsea match last night.
I know I didn’t.
An unreserved apology to Geoffrey Rush in the Daily Review – who have also heard from his lawyers.
The Daily Review admit they used the words “sexual misconduct” in their article instead of “inappropriate behaviour” apparently.
There is a hell of a difference between the two. God, inappropriate behaviour in a workplace could be anything other than sexual. Interesting that the media chose to interpret it as sexual and put his photo alongside Don Burke and co.
There is a video clip out of Rush declaring his intention to sue.
Dignified and classy – unlike those who sought to tear him to shreds
As I understand it he has commenced proceedings against the Daily Telegraph. There may be some other media organisations looking at a similar situation, including the one you mention, Boa.
Could be a big one Jack . Daily Tele says they will defend it. IMO they will be defending the indefensible, seeing they presumably had no idea of what he was alleged to have done (unless the STC is going to be sued too) – some of the headlines were simply appalling and as he rightly says, have caused irreparable damage to his reputation and hurt to his family.
Yes, we might leave it now for the courts. I’d hate to get caught up in this.
Yep okay!
No drama but better to be a spectator on this one.
Understand, totes! 🙂
I think a plaque appropriately placed outside the Victorian police headquarters or in their training college would be appropriate Jack.
Something along the lines:
“This plaque for ever more commemorates the deeds of Detective Denis Ryan who refused to succumb to illegal departmental pressure and finally saw justice done 45 years on.
“TRUTH WILL PREVAIL”
A copy should be put on the wall of the Commissioner’s Office
I have tried to get many people interested in your book – some who are into politics a big way. They shy away from it for some reason.
And yes it was a tough read.
They already have a pithily-rendered motto that should (but sometimes doesn’t) remind them of their duty:
‘Uphold the Right’
Nothing like a real instance to focus the mind B
True.
^^ good work
You know my view JTI. I’ve sent you an e-mail.
Where are they up to with George Pell?
Committal.
i think we all owe a Big thanks to Denis, yourself and Mick Miller, and another retired senior policeman as well.
it takes a good bit of bottle to walk your own path, and to do it in such a good cause is admirable, to say the least.
Well said Jack. I wonder how many victims are yet to come forward. Not many people have the courage to walk their own path, but Denis did. And JTI showed great tenacity as well in telling their stories.
Despite their ‘sorrow’ for the victims of pedophile clergy, expressed at the Royal Commission, the Catholic Church still obstucts moves to compensate victims. (Tessa Akerman – The Australian print edition – pp8 today) Is it possible to de-register a church? Or seize assets for redistribution to victims? The church is treating these victims with the most callous disregard. The accompanying article by Rhian Deutrom about Archbishop Wilson of Adelaide, on trial for concealing abuse to protect the church is beyond belief. Wilson’s attitude to abuse disclosers is really disturbing, and suggests the church’s public response and statements are completely at odds with the ‘real’ position.
Try this
If some of the allegations appearing are moment are true , then that organization is rotten right up to the top – including the head honcho who is accused of having two personas – a pious one for for the public and the obverse in real life.
And I did not even like the stuff that I had at dinner!