VIC:Christian Brother's convictions quashed
Karen Sweeney
MELBOURNE, March 15 AAP - A former Christian Brother who spent his 80th birthday
behind bars as a convicted pedophile will immediately walk free from jail after his
convictions were quashed on appeal.
A jury found John Francis Tyrrell guilty last year of 10 charges, including buggery
and indecent assault.
At trial, a complainant alleged Tyrrell abused him when he was aged between 10 and 12
at Geelong's St Joseph's College.
Court of Appeal Justices Stephen Kaye, Richard Niall and Mark Weinberg on Friday
ordered Tyrrell be acquitted of all charges.
Frail and partially blind, Tyrell watched the decision by video link as Justice Kaye
ordered he be "quickly" released.
Supporters clapped, whooped and immediately began making plans with Mr Tyrrell's
lawyers to pick him up, after 11 months behind bars.
He was sentenced in the County Court last April to 11 years in prison, with a minimum
six-and-a-half years, before being eligible for parole.
AAP ks/MI/nb
