The sudden death in prison of the paedophile Brendan Smyth has brought renewed demands for the Catholic Church to pay compensation to the priest's victims. A lawyer representing some of Smyth's victims said they would have a "sense of relief" that Smyth was dead, but would also be wondering if the church would "continue to evade responsibility" for his actions.
"Will it change anything of the Catholic Church's attitude? On their track record to date, it'll change nothing," said Mr Ted Lavery, solicitor for six victims. One victim said last night: "All of his victims should be compensated."
Smyth was in the exercise yard of the Curragh Prison in Co Kildare at about 5.45 p.m. when he collapsed. Prison staff summoned medical assistance. He appeared to have suffered a heart attack. He was taken to Naas General Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after 6 p.m.
Smyth (70) was sentenced to 12 years in jail by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on July 25th. He had pleaded guilty to 74 charges of indecent and sexual assault committed over 35 years. With standard remission he was due for release in March 2006. He had previously served three years in Northern Ireland on 43 similar charges.
In court, Smyth's lawyer said he had had a heart attack in 1994 and still suffered angina and breathlessness.
Smyth, who received the Last Rites from a hospital chaplain at Naas yesterday evening, had been told by the Norbertines that he could no longer celebrate Mass or administer other sacraments.
The Order had sent a file to the Vatican detailing his history.
A statement from the Norbertine Community last night offered "prayerful condolence" to Brendan Smyth's family.
"This is an occasion for all of us to turn our thoughts of the mercy, and above all, the support of almighty God - mercy on all those who have offended the good Lord, support for those who have been, as in this case, so grievously offended and hurt," it continued.
The statement said the family have requested complete privacy in respect of his funeral. See also page 6