A SURVIVOR of “prolific predator” John Merrick said last night: “I hope he is no longer a threat to children.”
Damian O’Farrell, 58, made the claim as the former Christian Brother, 77, is set to walk free from prison next week.
The jailed paedophile, of Portmarnock Park, Dublin has served nine months for abusing two other boys 47 years ago.
The evil abuser is one of eight sex offenders due to be released from prison this month.
Merrick will remain on the Sex Offenders Register until 2034.
Speaking exclusively to The Irish Sun, Damian hopes that Merrick has used his time inside to “reflect” on his evil crimes against youngsters.
Damian said: “I really hope that his horrific crimes against children are now at an end and he no longer poses any threat.
“I also hope that he has received the appropriate treatment in prison that can help him to stop him preying on children.
“He has never shown any remorse to me and it was great to see him finally being exposed for the crimes he committed. I’d like to commend the other victims for having the courage to come forward — it was great to see them securing justice.
“I have no doubt that there are multiple other victims out there and it’s never too late for people to come forward.”
Ahead of Merrick’s release, we can also reveal that Gardai are probing a new allegation against him.
We understand the victim made a complaint to the Christian Brothers before they informed investigators of the fresh allegation.
‘HE KNOWS THERE ARE OTHER VICTIMS’
A source said: “Another victim came forward in recent months to make serious allegations against Merrick. This information was passed to Gardai and is now being examined.”
Damian said of Merrick: “He was one of the most prolific abusers the Christian Brothers had — he could be as bad as Fr Brendan Smyth. He knows there are other victims and may have used his jail time to make these admissions.”
Merrick abused boys aged around 12, with their hell only ending when they moved school.
Damian first made his complaint against Merrick in 1994.
CHARGES, PLEA AND SENTENCE
He was charged in 1997 after a file was sent to the DPP including statements from other children.
He pleaded guilty to the abuse just two days after the Christian Brothers took out national newspaper ads in March 1998, apologising for the horrendous abuse of children by perverts who were members of the order.
Sicko Merrick received another suspended sentence in 2017 for the abuse of another boy.
