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Unholy Trinity: The hunt for the paedophile priest Monsignor John Day
One policemen's desperate and moving account of how he tried for decades to bring a paedophile priest to justice - but was blocked by not only the Catholic church, but by his own Police Force. One policeman's desperate and moving account of his decades-long struggle to bring a depraved paedophile priest to justice - only to find himself obstructed by the Catholic Church and betrayed by his own police force.Monsignor John Day died in 1978. He was arguably Australia's most prolific paedophile. His victims are counted in the hundreds. Yet when Day died, he was feted by Bishop Ronald Mulkearns as having 'faithfully fulfilled his ministry in God's name'.The Church had been well aware of Day's activities. For years his crimes had been overlooked and tacitly endorsed. Unbelievably, Day had committed his terrible crimes with the knowledge and protection of senior members of the Victoria Police as well as the Clerk of the Courts, the most senior officer of the court in Mildura in the 1960s and '70s. Together the three men cast a shadow over the city that remains today.Denis Ryan, a young police detective from Melbourne, had transferred to Mildura in the early 1960s. By the tacit rules of the day, priests were not to be charged for any crime short of murder in Victoria. The influence of the Church both in the Victoria Police and within the office of public prosecutions was too strong. But Ryan was a good cop, and quickly gained the trust of the people of Mildura. One by one the victims started coming forward-children who had been molested by Monsignor Day and their shocked and sometimes disbelieving parents.Armed with a dozen or more signed statements, Ryan had sufficient evidence to lay charges. Then began his nightmare, as his every step towards bringing Day to justice was blocked by the Catholic Church and then the Victoria Police. Ryan struggled for decades to have his story and those of Day's countless victims heard, but shamefully, this will be the first time this tragic tale is made public.This is Ryan's story, told in his own words. It is also the story of Day's victims, many of whom are alive today, and are here for the first time given a voice.After all this time, at last the truth can now be told.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
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April 27, 2016As a result of testimony to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse hearings in relation to the Ballarat area a heap of questions were unavoidable. As a person who grew up there at exactly the time that some of the worst offenders were at the heights of their protected lifestyles, the number one question is and will always be, how did they cover it up? How on earth did so many crimes occur with nobody seeming to do anything about it? As a result of those questions I went looking for some books / stories to try to understand, and Unholy Trinity was one of the books recommended.
Denis Ryan knew damn well, some of what John Day was up to in Mildura. He had increasing numbers of witness statements, he certainly had enough evidence to lay charges. And he had some powerful local people in opposition to him. The trinity that included John Day, the local Police Chief and the Clerk of Courts wielded influence, power and control in a manner that was positively breathtaking. Mind you, the years and years of "special treatment" for priests by the police force was already appalling.
I started reading this book to try to get some insight into how it was that Day, Ridsdale and their ilk managed to continue to offend in small towns and communities and came away from this book with some much clearer understanding. Ryan tells his story clearly and with dignity. This is a man who doesn't come across as somebody with a personal axe to grind, or a desire for self-aggrandisement or fame. This is also a man with the internal gumption to yank his son off the altar and away from Day in the middle of Mass. This was not a man who took his job lightly, or bowed to pressure. What he knew and what he tried to do ultimately lost him his wife, and a big chunk of his personal life. Thankfully his writing of this book has also cast some light into some appalling corners of life, clearly showing that the cover-up was wide ranging, far-reaching and ruthless. Let's hope that the Royal Commission takes the same approach.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Denis Ryan knew damn well, some of what John Day was up to in Mildura. He had increasing numbers of witness statements, he certainly had enough evidence to lay charges. And he had some powerful local people in opposition to him. The trinity that included John Day, the local Police Chief and the Clerk of Courts wielded influence, power and control in a manner that was positively breathtaking. Mind you, the years and years of "special treatment" for priests by the police force was already appalling.
I started reading this book to try to get some insight into how it was that Day, Ridsdale and their ilk managed to continue to offend in small towns and communities and came away from this book with some much clearer understanding. Ryan tells his story clearly and with dignity. This is a man who doesn't come across as somebody with a personal axe to grind, or a desire for self-aggrandisement or fame. This is also a man with the internal gumption to yank his son off the altar and away from Day in the middle of Mass. This was not a man who took his job lightly, or bowed to pressure. What he knew and what he tried to do ultimately lost him his wife, and a big chunk of his personal life. Thankfully his writing of this book has also cast some light into some appalling corners of life, clearly showing that the cover-up was wide ranging, far-reaching and ruthless. Let's hope that the Royal Commission takes the same approach.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
July 17, 2013
The Unholy Trinity (Allen & Unwin, 2013), Denis Ryan’s deeply moving story of his determination to bring a notorious Australian serial peadophile rapist to justice, is a damning indictment of both the Catholic Church and the Victorian police’s systemic efforts to silence him.
Transferred from Melbourne to Mildura as a young police detective in the 1960’s, Ryan, a loving and honest family man inspired by his Catholic faith and dedication to his job, made the move to a warmer climate to favour his asthmatic sons. The layers upon layers of lies and deceit, along with the betrayals by senior members of the Victorian police and the Mildura Clerk of the Courts in the 1960’s and 70’s, who colluded with the Catholic Church to cover up and protect Monisgnor John Day from his appalling sex crimes against children, was to become a nightmare that plagues Ryan to this very day.
Denis Ryan gathered a string of documented statements from Mildura victims’ stories as he became increasingly aware of the extent of Monsignor John Day’s crimes. Ryan spoke up, tried to get help. But rather than bring this priest to justice, the Catholic Church affirmed the Monsignor’s ‘good’ name and members of the Victorian police did all in their power to intimidate and silence Ryan.
It’s not news to hear of peadophile priests being moved on to avoid being nailed for their crimes, even sent overseas as with Monsignor John Day who was later given another parish in Victoria. But it is news to hear of how police and others colluded in the silences. Ryan could not trust his own colleagues or the legal system and resigned. After reading this I seriously wonder how anyone can trust those who are meant to uphold law and order, especially those who are meant to protect and care for our children.
A victim of child sexual assault/rape myself, as far as I am concerned, this True Life Crime, is essential reading for anyone trying to get their heads around the big questions relative to how peadophiles in the church or anywhere else have been able to get away with their crimes for extended periods of time, whether they take those crimes unhindered to their graves or get caught along the way.
In the Afterword to Denis Ryan’s story he says, “I’m Denis Ryan and I have just turned 81 years of age.” And Denis, “I am Suzanne Covich and I have just turned 64. My memoir about similar Australian crimes, When We Remember They Call Us Lairs (Fremantle Press, 2012) was launched on my 63rd birthday. It took me 52 years to overcome my terror and pluck up the courage to get it into print. Nightmares? I’ve certainly known them. And I am very glad to know you.”
Transferred from Melbourne to Mildura as a young police detective in the 1960’s, Ryan, a loving and honest family man inspired by his Catholic faith and dedication to his job, made the move to a warmer climate to favour his asthmatic sons. The layers upon layers of lies and deceit, along with the betrayals by senior members of the Victorian police and the Mildura Clerk of the Courts in the 1960’s and 70’s, who colluded with the Catholic Church to cover up and protect Monisgnor John Day from his appalling sex crimes against children, was to become a nightmare that plagues Ryan to this very day.
Denis Ryan gathered a string of documented statements from Mildura victims’ stories as he became increasingly aware of the extent of Monsignor John Day’s crimes. Ryan spoke up, tried to get help. But rather than bring this priest to justice, the Catholic Church affirmed the Monsignor’s ‘good’ name and members of the Victorian police did all in their power to intimidate and silence Ryan.
It’s not news to hear of peadophile priests being moved on to avoid being nailed for their crimes, even sent overseas as with Monsignor John Day who was later given another parish in Victoria. But it is news to hear of how police and others colluded in the silences. Ryan could not trust his own colleagues or the legal system and resigned. After reading this I seriously wonder how anyone can trust those who are meant to uphold law and order, especially those who are meant to protect and care for our children.
A victim of child sexual assault/rape myself, as far as I am concerned, this True Life Crime, is essential reading for anyone trying to get their heads around the big questions relative to how peadophiles in the church or anywhere else have been able to get away with their crimes for extended periods of time, whether they take those crimes unhindered to their graves or get caught along the way.
In the Afterword to Denis Ryan’s story he says, “I’m Denis Ryan and I have just turned 81 years of age.” And Denis, “I am Suzanne Covich and I have just turned 64. My memoir about similar Australian crimes, When We Remember They Call Us Lairs (Fremantle Press, 2012) was launched on my 63rd birthday. It took me 52 years to overcome my terror and pluck up the courage to get it into print. Nightmares? I’ve certainly known them. And I am very glad to know you.”
December 15, 2015
A very disturbing work.
In a sense the saddest part is how sectarianism so blinkered ordinary people that they lost their senses of right and wrong, so that the public repute of a religious institution was held to be more important than the protection of children.
One would have thought that, even if the perpetrators were not to be punished for crimes committed , at least they might have been dealt with in a way that prevented the chance of future similar conduct.
In a sense the saddest part is how sectarianism so blinkered ordinary people that they lost their senses of right and wrong, so that the public repute of a religious institution was held to be more important than the protection of children.
One would have thought that, even if the perpetrators were not to be punished for crimes committed , at least they might have been dealt with in a way that prevented the chance of future similar conduct.
March 24, 2015
This was an honest work, I feel, by someone at the collision point of career and conscience. This is not a gratuitous work nor is it self-aggrandising. It shows the way in which the thoughtless power of institutions is used by opportunists and those of low moral character. Worth the read.
August 18, 2017
Seems that power over the powerless know no bounds, even among those who are seen to be leaders of a compassionate religion. Is there such a thing? This book while set in the 1970's proves to me that the Catholic Church as an institution is cruel and loves wielding it's so called power. I believe it is still happening today, look at the situation with George Pell.
After moving to Ballarat 12 months ago I noticed that there is a lot of anger and sadness seeping through the streets of this town, it is also said that it holds the highest number of suicide rates for a regional area in Australia. John Day was a part of this diocese.
I am also disheartened that the Victorian Police turned a blind eye to the abuse and did not pursue convictions on men that abused 100's of children. Big credit to Denis Ryan who stood up and spoke out about the abuse and pursued charges against John Day, they made his life a misery for doing so.
I will not use the title of Monsignor when I refer to him as he has abused that right to title.
What I cannot fathom is that the Catholic Church tells us that there will be a day of judgement and that hell awaits those who fall for the weakness of the flesh and sodomy is a sin. Do the men that abuse, terrify and sodomize small children not think that they too are part of that judgment, or do they only believe that those not ordained will only succumb to those punishments?
An us and them mentality exists in all order of institutions and this I believe is one of the reasons for the abuse and total disregard for the sanctity of the human soul.
If we were nurtured and loved rather than raped and abused there would not be the anger, disconnection and substance abuse within our society that pervades humankind today.
After moving to Ballarat 12 months ago I noticed that there is a lot of anger and sadness seeping through the streets of this town, it is also said that it holds the highest number of suicide rates for a regional area in Australia. John Day was a part of this diocese.
I am also disheartened that the Victorian Police turned a blind eye to the abuse and did not pursue convictions on men that abused 100's of children. Big credit to Denis Ryan who stood up and spoke out about the abuse and pursued charges against John Day, they made his life a misery for doing so.
I will not use the title of Monsignor when I refer to him as he has abused that right to title.
What I cannot fathom is that the Catholic Church tells us that there will be a day of judgement and that hell awaits those who fall for the weakness of the flesh and sodomy is a sin. Do the men that abuse, terrify and sodomize small children not think that they too are part of that judgment, or do they only believe that those not ordained will only succumb to those punishments?
An us and them mentality exists in all order of institutions and this I believe is one of the reasons for the abuse and total disregard for the sanctity of the human soul.
If we were nurtured and loved rather than raped and abused there would not be the anger, disconnection and substance abuse within our society that pervades humankind today.
April 17, 2020
Very interesting story although repetitive at times, like a lot of the time. We knew that John Day raped children, mainly boys, yet it was repeated in the story over and over. Dude, we won’t forget! It’s the subject of the book! Kudos to Denis Ryan for sticking to his oath. We need more good cops like him. The police force sucked for what they put him through. So many victims in this book!
April 1, 2024
Powerful read. Disturbing and horrific how the Church and the Vic Police covered this up. Writing repetitive but otherwise a good book.
July 11, 2013
I picked this book up at the airport, basically because the title was catchy, and also because, as a student of Studies in Religion, I am interested in how the added elements of organised religion and unwavering faith influences the way in which problems are dealt with, and can even become somewhat institutionalised.
I'm also going to admit that I didn't finish this book. It is not my fault though; it is terrible.
The thing about raping children is everyone (or at least most people, aside from those actually doing it) knows it's wrong. This book doesn't realise that, and keeps beating it into our skulls that paedophilia is wrong. It doesn't just provide the evidence, it makes its conclusions for us. The reader is not an idiot -- it can come to these conclusions without all the sensationalised language. I get that paedophilia is an issue that is hard for people not to feel passionately enraged about, which is why it's hard for me to say I don't like this book.
The real issue is not what horrible people the priests who molest children are -- although I like to give people forgiveness, I'm hard-pressed to believe that people who violate children are ever going to change. What could cause change, however, is working out how some child molesters can be public figures while hiding their awful behaviours. The book does point out the cause, that the Catholic church and Catholic police officers would cover up the allegations of assault. But then again, the point seems to be to attack the characters of these people, when their behaviour would attack themselves without the persistent nudging of the author.
I think there would be better books out there on this subject, those that can raise these issues and try to understand why people were so inclined to cover up the actions of paedophile priests, rather than just be bitter and mad. We can't just sit around blaming each other forever, long after the paedophiles are dead and no punishment for them can be dealt out. We need to work out why people acted the way they did, so we can stop these things from ever occurring again. I think this book's intention is to try and do that, but it fails.
I'm also going to admit that I didn't finish this book. It is not my fault though; it is terrible.
The thing about raping children is everyone (or at least most people, aside from those actually doing it) knows it's wrong. This book doesn't realise that, and keeps beating it into our skulls that paedophilia is wrong. It doesn't just provide the evidence, it makes its conclusions for us. The reader is not an idiot -- it can come to these conclusions without all the sensationalised language. I get that paedophilia is an issue that is hard for people not to feel passionately enraged about, which is why it's hard for me to say I don't like this book.
The real issue is not what horrible people the priests who molest children are -- although I like to give people forgiveness, I'm hard-pressed to believe that people who violate children are ever going to change. What could cause change, however, is working out how some child molesters can be public figures while hiding their awful behaviours. The book does point out the cause, that the Catholic church and Catholic police officers would cover up the allegations of assault. But then again, the point seems to be to attack the characters of these people, when their behaviour would attack themselves without the persistent nudging of the author.
I think there would be better books out there on this subject, those that can raise these issues and try to understand why people were so inclined to cover up the actions of paedophile priests, rather than just be bitter and mad. We can't just sit around blaming each other forever, long after the paedophiles are dead and no punishment for them can be dealt out. We need to work out why people acted the way they did, so we can stop these things from ever occurring again. I think this book's intention is to try and do that, but it fails.
August 28, 2013
We all know about the evils of paedophilia and the impact it has on victims. This book outlines Denis Ryan's unending search of priest John Day. He outlines the setbacks that he encounters not only within the Victorian Police Force, but also within the Catholic Church system. There is mention of a Catholic mafia that is the overall controlling force in hindering this search.
It is written from Denis' perspective and there is an understandably underlying resentment towards those who tried to thwart his efforts. His motivation throughout the investigation was to bring justice for the victims. In a sense it reads like an autobiographical account, nevertheless, it is a story that needed to be told. For too long paedophilia within institutions have been covered up and victims silenced and despite his personal challenges, Denis Ryan chooses to prevail.
At the end of the book there are some victim's stories which are heart wrenching. They took a step of courage and in doing so have paved the way for other countless victims to be given a voice.
In light of what is now happening with the Royal Commission it is a timely reminder that history may repeat itself as the system remains the same. I, personally, hope this does not occur and that those responsible are held to account.
It is written from Denis' perspective and there is an understandably underlying resentment towards those who tried to thwart his efforts. His motivation throughout the investigation was to bring justice for the victims. In a sense it reads like an autobiographical account, nevertheless, it is a story that needed to be told. For too long paedophilia within institutions have been covered up and victims silenced and despite his personal challenges, Denis Ryan chooses to prevail.
At the end of the book there are some victim's stories which are heart wrenching. They took a step of courage and in doing so have paved the way for other countless victims to be given a voice.
In light of what is now happening with the Royal Commission it is a timely reminder that history may repeat itself as the system remains the same. I, personally, hope this does not occur and that those responsible are held to account.
August 24, 2013
Could have been so much more.
No doubting the truth of this book but it misses an opportunity to really examine the subject in any meaningful way.
The book was written in part by a former detective who tried for years to get authorities to act on the crimes of the perpetrator. He suffered for that and it shows.
The book is more about his experiences than any serious examination of the issues. He clashed countless times with those higher up the food chain who were complicit in covering up these crimes which resulted in toxic relationships and therein lies the trouble with this book.
It seems to be an emotional diatribe against those individuals; a letting out of decades long resentments with no attempt at objectivity and little in the way of objective evidence or a serious look at the issues. While I don't disbelieve the claims, it becomes difficult to sort out truth from resentment when the story is told in such emotive language.
The only real compelling part of the book is in the last few pages where victims of Monsignor Day tell their stories in their own words. Pity the co-writer hadn't taken a more subjective and investigative approach.
No doubting the truth of this book but it misses an opportunity to really examine the subject in any meaningful way.
The book was written in part by a former detective who tried for years to get authorities to act on the crimes of the perpetrator. He suffered for that and it shows.
The book is more about his experiences than any serious examination of the issues. He clashed countless times with those higher up the food chain who were complicit in covering up these crimes which resulted in toxic relationships and therein lies the trouble with this book.
It seems to be an emotional diatribe against those individuals; a letting out of decades long resentments with no attempt at objectivity and little in the way of objective evidence or a serious look at the issues. While I don't disbelieve the claims, it becomes difficult to sort out truth from resentment when the story is told in such emotive language.
The only real compelling part of the book is in the last few pages where victims of Monsignor Day tell their stories in their own words. Pity the co-writer hadn't taken a more subjective and investigative approach.
January 7, 2014
This book shocked and disturbed me. Especially so as it is based on a true story of events in the town I grew up in, therefore I knew of some of the characters in the book. Good on Denis Ryan for having the courage to write this book. So unjust that his career as a policeman came to an end early in his career due to his persistence in trying to investigate the crimes that this monster perpetrated.
October 11, 2016
5-Star Historical Truth Cover-Up By Roman Catholic Church, Plus Legal System! Please Read Scott Peck Book "People Of The Lie" Which Covers "Evil" In Institutions! "Critical Thinking" In Life Is Necessary! Walk Path To Obey Yahweh Is A Bless Lifestyle! Evil People; Worst Monsters Real; Are Part Of A Fallen Humanity! Pray To Yahweh For "Divine Protection", And Life's Peace Live As Best Able In Obedience!
April 1, 2018
An interesting look into the Victorian police force and the Catholic church in the 1970s. There are no prurient details in this account. Rather, it describes an honest policeman's attempts to bring criminals to justice and the way in which his efforts were thwarted by unscrupulous senior officers. A sobering read. We have to hope that things have changed in the intervening decades.
October 5, 2013
A must read
June 2, 2018
A terrible truth, an honest, brave and strong policeman during a time when the rules were made by the people at the top to protect the evil pedophiles within the churches.
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