Rowan Donoghue, a former priest at St Bede's College in Christchurch, New Zealand, has been sentenced to seven years and eight months in prison for sexually abusing four boys between 1999 and 2002. The sentencing took place on May 13, 2026, at the Christchurch District Court.
Donoghue, now 72, pleaded guilty to charges including indecent assault and unlawful sexual connection. The abuse occurred while he was a teacher and priest at the Catholic boys' school.
Victim impact statements read in court described the lasting trauma. One victim said, 'It was a violation of a child that has affected every part of my life.' Another stated the abuse 'stole my innocence and trust.'
Judge Stephen O'Driscoll noted the breach of trust, given Donoghue's position as a priest and teacher. The sentence includes a minimum non-parole period of three years and eight months.
Donoghue was originally charged in 2023 following a police investigation prompted by historical abuse complaints. He was defrocked by the Catholic Church in 2024.
