The following is the text of a statement by Brendan Smyth read in court by his counsel, Ms Gemma Loughran: "This is the third time in just over three years that I have stood trial for the sexual abuse of young people. While the great majority of these cases occurred 20 to 30 years ago, I recognise them all for what they were: sins against God, offences against individual persons and offences against the laws of the State.
"At my second trial, I made a universal apology to anyone and everyone offended against by me down through the years.
"As this final trial takes place, however, in a different jurisdiction, I take this opportunity to renew sincerely and wholeheartedly my deep sorrow and regret for any psychological hurt or trauma any of these young people may have experienced as a result of their association with me in the Republic of Ireland.
"Long ago, I have made my peace with God, and I hope and pray that with the passage of time many of these too will find a like peace.
"I also wish to renew my sorrow for the hurt these proceedings caused and continue to cause to the members of my religious community, to my family and to so many good and faithful friends who have never failed to give me prayerful support.
"Whatever sentence the court decrees, I will be happy to serve in full, should the Lord spare me, knowing it is God's holy will for me, at this time and in this place."