His name was Neville Kearns: Why five men are naming their abuser

On Sunday, April 7th, 2024 there was a fatal road traffic crash in Churchtown, a suburb in south dublin. It happened early in the morning when a pensioner driving an old red van hit a tree.

Unusually, the name of the dead man was not released though The Irish Times was able to report, through confidential information received at the time, that the dead man had been due in court the following day.

He had been charged with more than 100 counts of sex abuse offences involving young boys dating back to the 1980s and 90s. His five victims were ready to give evidence but his death denied them any hope of justice.

He wasn’t named at the time for legal reasons. But we are naming him now, thanks to the bravery of his victims, who since his death just over a year ago have met and given each other support.

Neville Kearns lived in suburban Dublin and won the trust of the young teenagers who became his victim.

One, who we are calling Chris, came in to studio to tell his story.

Irish Times reporter Orla Ryan has talked to three of the men and explains why they chose to name him now and what it means to them.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Suzanne Brennan.

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