Catholic priest jailed for decade of historic sex abuse against young boys 

A Catholic priest has been jailed for a second time, after abusing young boys for more than a decade.

Father James Finbar Murphy, who held posts at Sydenham, New Addington, South Croydon and Streatham abused at least 11 boys in his care, aged from just five between 1975 and 1988.

He was initially jailed in 2000 for 30 months, after admitting to the abuse of seven boys in south London, but at the time, the case’s investigating officer said this could be “just the tip of the iceberg”.

Since then, more victims have come forward, and Murphy, now aged 77, was convicted of seven counts of abuse against four more boys.

The Met’s recent investigation into Murphy began in 2019 when one of the victims came forward to report him to their local police station.

Victims gave witness statements to police, recounting “painful and difficult” details about their ordeals.

One victim told the court how when he disclosed the abuse at 10 years old, church authorities swept it under the carpet and made him meet Murphy to “forgive him”.

Murphy, who had moved to Alders Mallow, in County Cork, Ireland, was interviewed twice by Met officers who travelled to interview him during the Covid pandemic.

At Inner London Crown Court on February 16, Murphy pleaded guilty to seven offences of indecent assault, which took place between 1975 and 1988 and related to four victims aged between five and 11 years old.

The court also heard Murphy had previously been convicted of 11 counts of indecent assault, against five boys, back in 1977.

On Monday (April 29) he was sentenced to 31 months in jail, at Inner London Crown Court.

At his sentencing hearing on Monday (April 29), his victims detailed how Murphy had impacted their childhoods, their relationships with their parents, and their adult lives.

One victim told the court how when he disclosed the abuse at 10 years old, church authorities swept it under the carpet and made him meet Murphy to “forgive him”.

PC Helen French, who led the investigation, said:

“I want to acknowledge the bravery of the victims, whose courage has been unwavering throughout this process. 

“Coming forward is not only a tribute to their strength but serves as a sign to any other victims that they will be listened to and supported. 

“Murphy used his position of power as a priest to prey on and take advantage of young boys – and some of their lives have been swathed with despair and anger, ridden with frustration and pain. 

“I’d like to thank the dedicated team of officers who helped secure justice – their dedication has been extraordinary. I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of abuse, to come forward and get the help they so rightly deserve.” 

If you have been a victim of historical abuse, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the suffering you have been through.

What is historic abuse?

Historic abuse is also known as “non-recent abuse” or “non-accidental abuse” and relates to any physical, sexual or emotional attack inflicted on a person. These attacks may have taken place in a single incident or be repeated over some time.

Historic abuse commonly occurs when the attacker holds a position of power over the victim.

Institutional child sexual abuse

In some cases, if the abuse has occurred within an organisational setting, for example, an after-school club or within a religious setting, this might be referred to as Institutional child sexual abuse.

Some examples of this include the following (however, this list is not exhaustive).

• School staff attacking pupils
• Young people abused in children’s homes
• Football coaches preying on children in their coaching teams
• Youth group leaders singling out children (often on trips away from home)
• Religious staff attacking children
• Doctors or hospital staff

How Oakwood Solicitors can help

We have a specialist team of Solicitors who can help discuss with you if you may have a claim. All advice is confidential and we are happy to discuss any legal options with you as part of a free assessment.

Our team understand that it is a daunting step to come forward as a survivor of abuse but we are here to try and help where we can. Our Solicitors are all experienced in dealing with clients who have suffered with trauma and mental health illness so you will be well supported throughout.

To find out more about Historic Abuse claims, click here.

Further reading

Historic abuse claims – Oakwood Solicitors

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