A NEWCASTLE pensioner already serving an eight-and-a half-year sentence for abusing children while tutoring them has today been sentenced for additional offences.
Patrick James Carton (78) was sentenced at Downpatrick Crown Court, sitting in Belfast writes Lara Barr.
The former maths teacher at St Colman’s College, Newry and De La Salle in Downpatrick was previously convicted for indecently assaulting several teenagers including five girls and one boy.
On Wednesday 30 September, Carton was sentenced for assaulting three more girls.
The court heard how all the offences happened during private tutoring at Mr Carton’s residence in the Marguerite area of Newcastle.
More complainants had come forward since his initial conviction back in March 2018.
The former teacher was sentenced at this time to 13 years in prison, however this was reduced by the court of appeal in June 2019.
Victims told the court how Carton with an address at Ballaghbeg, Newcastle had a points or star system “which graduated from a written warning, ultimately to being forced to remove their pants, bend over his knee and be smacked on the bare bottom” Judge Geoffrey Miller QC stated.
During police interview in May 2019, Carton admitted to the crimes and explained it was a “challenge against them making silly mistakes”.
Defence barrister Stephen Toal said that Carton’s age, the length of his pre-existing sentence and the change in his attitude” should be taken into account.
However, Judge Miller said a custodial sentence was needed to “protect the public”.
He imposed a three-year sentence, half of which will be spent in prison and half on licence.
A spokesperson for NSPCC Northern Ireland said: “As a tutor, Carton had a duty to protect children in his care, but instead he abused that position of trust to carry out this appalling catalogue of offences against his young pupils.
“His victims have shown a great deal of bravery in recounting their ordeals and it’s important that all continue to receive the support they require.
“It is vital that all victims of abuse feel confident to speak out about their attackers and receive justice for the crimes carried out against them.”
The NSPCC helpline is available for adults to contact confidentially for help and advice about non-recent abuse on 0808 800 5000 or via:
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