A former Catholic brother has been sentenced to a further jail term for abusing five additional boys, with a judge telling him he is likely to die in jail.
Former Newcastle Marist brother and teacher Francis Cable, known as Brother Romuald, was already serving a minimum jail term of eight years for abusing 19 boys.
He was sentenced in 2015 but, since the royal commission into child sexual abuse, another five boys came forward.
Newcastle District Court judge Roy Ellis today sentenced Cable to an additional six years in jail, with a non-parole period of three years.
Acts described as abuse of power
Judge Ellis was scathing of Cable's conduct ahead of imposing his sentence.
"This man has ruined the lives of a plethora of young boys," he told the court.
"One of the boys who complained got six of the best.
"Instead of being a Christian environment, it was an environment of evil."
The judge went on to assess his character.
"It was a brazen abuse of power by a predator in a position of authority, causing a significant breach of trust," he said.
"The bulk of offences were humiliating and embarrassing to your victims.
"You put them in a position where the victims felt they had little to no way of escaping your predatorial behaviour."
Survivors terrorised by brother's action
Two of the five additional survivors read victim impact statements in the District Court.
"I was very ashamed, humiliated and embarrassed and waited 20 years to tell," one man said.
"I was confused angry and afraid and I believed nobody would believe me.
"He took away my innocence, the child that was left inside was destroyed, I don't want another child to go through what I have gone through."
The second man said the abuse had left him shattered and made him distance himself from his children.
"I realise now why I have never wanted to change and bath my children," the second man said.
"I guard my personal space when standing and talking.
"I applaud the men who had the character to come forward, and I wish I spoke out years ago.
"I should not have to look over my shoulder all the time fearing the worst."
Brother told jail time will be tougher due to old age
Judge Ellis told Cable he understood it would be tough for him to serve time because of his age and his health.
The court heard Cable was housed in the Kevin Waller Unit within Long Bay Jail, designated for frail, aged inmates.
Medical reports tendered in court said he had heart disease, a stent, and was in constant pain.
Cable also needed a walker or wheelchair to get around.
"It is likely you will serve the rest of your life in jail," Judge Ellis said.
"It is unlikely you will survive your non-parole period, given your age, health and frailty," Judge Ellis said.
"The combination of health and age means every year is much longer [for an older inmate] than a normal year."
Despite this, the judge said an extra jail term was warranted.
Cable will be eligible for parole in 2026, meaning he will be 94 at the earliest time he can be released.
