Overview

• Michael James Callaghan, also known as Father James, was convicted by a jury at Teesside Crown Court of 13 sexual offences against two students spanning decades.
• Twelve of the offences involved repeated indecent assaults on a boy during the 1990s, whom Callaghan groomed with gifts, outings, and emotional support.
• The 13th offence occurred in 2013, when Callaghan sexually assaulted a 17-year-old by groping him during a hug.
• Evidence presented at trial included a doctor’s letters from the 1990s where Callaghan admitted to having crushes on boys and struggling to control his sexual urges.
• Judge Richard Clews granted Callaghan bail until sentencing on June 19, warning that the serious breach of trust likely warrants immediate imprisonment.