Victims’ powerful messages to man who sexually abused them
Victor Higgs was entrusted to care for the boarders at the prestigious St Ignatius’ College in Sydney’s Riverview, but instead he sexually abused them.
In powerful testimony, his victims have told a judge how the Jesuit teacher’s abuse has affected their entire lives.
“They’re meant to be the people who look after you, not hide behind the cloak of the church,” one victim said.
“It’s one of those things, that really, nobody should have to endure,” another victim said.
“He is pure evil,” said another. “I hope he rots in hell. In fact, hell is too good for him.”
Higgs’ offending first came to light at another Jesuit college in Adelaide, in 1970.
But instead of being reported to police, he was transferred to Sydney. There, he abused at least six boys between 1971 and 1980.
“It is inconceivable to the hundreds of boys placed under his so-called care that the teachers and his peers were not aware of Higgs’ behaviour,” one said.
Politician Barnaby Joyce went to Riverview, recalling Higgs as a ‘creep’ who had once tried to kiss him.
Victor Higgs claimed the boys must have confused him with some other teacher, but there was no mistake.
On Friday the judge said Higgs knew what he’d done and had shown no remorse.
Higgs, who is now 81, was sentenced to 12 years behind bars.
He will not be eligible for parole for seven and a half years.
“I hope nothing more than for him to die in jail,” a victim noted.
