Sex predator monk jailed for abusing boys

A predatory monk who used his position at a famous Catholic school to abuse boys and who “hid in plain sight” has been jailed.

- by Nick Frame

Pensioner Michael James Callaghan, known to pupils as Father James, groomed and abused one boy at Ampleforth College more than 30 years ago. The boy said he felt isolated and was “miles from home” and felt compelled to do as the monk said.

He would play bizarre roleplay games in a bid to sexually assault the boy on multiple occasions. He sexually touched another boy in 2013.

The 71-year-old from Leeds denied all matters but was convicted of a catalogue of sexual offences following a six-day trial at Teesside Crown Court in May. During the trial a doctor's note was produced confirming that Callaghan confessed to having homosexual fantasises about boys in 1990.