Brother David Down

Brother Graeme James Down was a member of the Christian Brothers who left the Order in 1999. He was known as Brother David Down during his time with the Christian Brothers. Research online indicates that Brother David Down taught at the following schools in Western Australia:

  • St Mark’s College - Bedford, Perth; and

  • Nulungu School - Broome (now known as St Mary’s College).

After leaving the Christian Brothers, Brother David Down worked in Aboriginal communities in the Kimberly region and worked at one stage as regional co-ordinator with Western Australia’s Fire and Emergency Services Authority in Kununurra in northern Western Australia.

In 2005, Brother Down was charged at Kununurra Magistrates Court with 14 counts of indecent dealings with children under 14 years of age between 1981 and 1983. The charges where in relation to his time at St Mark’s School where it was alleged that Brother Down had sexually abused four boys aged 10 to 12 years old at the time during school camps and in classrooms. In 2007, Brother Downs pleaded guilty to five charges of unlawfully and indecently touching three boys. However, he pleaded not guilty to a further seven charges, which alleged more serious offences against a fourth boy. He was sentenced to 30 months jail with eligibility for parole after 15 months.

In 2008, Brother Down was again charged with two new offences in relation to abusing two further students at different times. Brother Down abused one of these victims during an unofficial weekend camp at which he was the only teacher. The second incident occurred a few weeks later when Brother Down sexually abused a 10-year old boy at an annual school camp. Brother Down pleaded guilty to the new charges and was sentenced to six months jail on the first charge and four months on the second. The total of 10 months jail was to be served on top of his previous 30-months term.

Moody Law has in the past represented and is still representing clients who have made allegations of sexual and physical abuse against various members of the Christian Brothers.

We invite former victims, students, teachers, or parents to tell us confidentially what information they may have, and we will explain what options are available to help with these cases.

Call us or complete the confidential enquiry form below.