EXCLUSIVEMan claims more than 50 children were sexually abused by 'paedophile' catholic monks on UK holy island in scandal as bad as 'Jimmy Savile' as new probe launched
- EXCLUSIVE: Welsh island of Caldey has been rocked by child abuse scandal
- Survivors of the abuse, allegedly perpetuated by monks, are fighting for justice
A community of Catholic monks on a reputably 'holy island' off the coast of Wales is at the centre of a major child abuse scandal going back more than 50 years.
Thousands of tourists visit Caldey off the Pembrokeshire coast each year unaware of its dark history of sex abuse against infants as young as three.
Visiting children, who have now grown to adults, say they were raped in the historic abbey, sexually abused in the ornate gardens and threatened that they would go to hell if they breathed a word to anyone back on the mainland.
This week, The Caldey Abbey estate has appointed Independent Safeguarding Consultant and former Assistant Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales, Jan Pickles OBE to lead a 'thorough review' into historical claims of child abuse.
Speaking to MailOnline, Victim Kevin O'Connell, 61, just 10 when he was raped, claims he witnessed the 'industrial abuse' of children, some as young as three.
He put out an appeal on social media urging others to come forward to help his lifelong fight for justice.
![Six girl victims were paid compensation after a civil court case found Father Thaddeus Kotik had sexually abused them between 1972 and 1987](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83435215-13289881-Six_girl_victims_were_paid_compensation_after_a_civil_court_case-a-42_1712706608205.jpg)
Six girl victims were paid compensation after a civil court case found Father Thaddeus Kotik had sexually abused them between 1972 and 1987
![Caldey Island Abbey, where the abuse is alleged to have taken place](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/18/83473507-13289881-image-m-12_1712770188715.jpg)
Caldey Island Abbey, where the abuse is alleged to have taken place
![The reputably 'holy island' off the coast of Wales is home to a community of Catholic monks](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83435873-13289881-The_reputably_holy_island_off_the_coast_of_Wales_is_home_to_a_co-a-45_1712706608207.jpg)
The reputably 'holy island' off the coast of Wales is home to a community of Catholic monks
![Victim Kevin O'Connell, 61, just 10 when he was raped, claims he witnessed the 'industrial abuse' of children, some as young as three on the island (Pictured outside the Abbey in 2022)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83434057-13289881-Victim_Kevin_O_Connell_61_just_10_when_he_was_raped_claims_he_wi-a-43_1712706608206.jpg)
Victim Kevin O'Connell, 61, just 10 when he was raped, claims he witnessed the 'industrial abuse' of children, some as young as three on the island (Pictured outside the Abbey in 2022)
![Kevin claimed he was abused on a stone altar in the island's ruins by Father Thaddeus Kotik (Pictured)](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83435645-13289881-Kevin_claimed_he_was_abused_on_a_stone_altar_in_the_island_s_rui-a-44_1712706608206.jpg)
Kevin claimed he was abused on a stone altar in the island's ruins by Father Thaddeus Kotik (Pictured)
![It is unknown how many children Kotik abused during his time on the island](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83435649-13289881-It_is_unknown_how_many_children_Kotik_abused_during_his_time_on_-a-46_1712706608207.jpg)
It is unknown how many children Kotik abused during his time on the island
![Thousands of tourists visit Caldey off the Pembrokeshire coast each year unaware of its dark history of sex abuse against infants as young as three](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83435903-13289881-Thousands_of_tourists_visit_Caldey_off_the_Pembrokeshire_coast_e-a-47_1712706608208.jpg)
Thousands of tourists visit Caldey off the Pembrokeshire coast each year unaware of its dark history of sex abuse against infants as young as three
So far 50 people, aged between 45 and 65 and from all corners of the globe, have responded saying: 'It happened to me.'
None of the brotherhood of Cistercian monks have been convicted and a call for a Public Inquiry was ignored, apparently because one of the paedophile monks is dead.
The allegations were reported to Operation Hydrant, a nationwide police investigation into historic child abuse in the wake of the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal, however at the time, nothing happened.
Now Mail Online can reveal for the first time that allegations of sexual abuse and coercion against women on the island are still occurring.
In a letter from an island resident seen by MailOnline, it is alleged that women on the island that a 'grooming' culture persists and that offenders are 'protected.'
Mr O'Connell, the driving force behind the Caldey Island Survivors Campaign, said: 'I was fearful that people were still being abused on the island but I had no proof - then a letter arrived a few weeks ago.
'It was anonymous but the person who wrote it lives on the island and described themselves as a concerned resident.
'A young girl was subjected to sexual harassment and misogynistic behaviour.
'According to the concerned resident there was no investigation and the allegations were dismissed by the Abbot.
'It shows that nothing has changed - they lie and they lie and they lie.'
It's understood two directors of the Caldey Estate have resigned over the matter which was reported to Dyfed-Powys Police.
Most of the 50 'survivors' who were 'raped or sexually abused' on Caldey have reported what happened to them and have a crime reference number to prove it.
But none of the abusers were ever locked up.
Mr O'Connell, a stonemason living near New Quay, Cardiganshire, said: 'The reason we've been given is that the monk who abused me and many of the others has died.
'But that doesn't make sense - the inquiry into Jimmy Savile didn't even start until after he was dead.
'We have brought in top lawyers and we are still pushing for a Public Inquiry. It's disgusting that there has been no justice for what happened to so many young children.'
![The remote island has a long and tragic history of sexual abuse against minors](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83435895-13289881-The_remote_island_has_a_long_and_tragic_history_of_sexual_abuse_-a-50_1712706608209.jpg)
The remote island has a long and tragic history of sexual abuse against minors
![In 2011 a man who lived on the island for seven years after being taken in by the monks was charged with possessing indecent images of children](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83436019-13289881-In_2011_a_man_who_lived_on_the_island_for_seven_years_after_bein-a-49_1712706608209.jpg)
In 2011 a man who lived on the island for seven years after being taken in by the monks was charged with possessing indecent images of children
![Father Thaddeus Kotik died in 1992 without facing any criminal charges into claims he abused children on the holy island](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83435653-13289881-Father_Thaddeus_Kotik_died_in_1992_without_facing_any_criminal_c-a-48_1712706608208.jpg)
Father Thaddeus Kotik died in 1992 without facing any criminal charges into claims he abused children on the holy island
![Today the island is visited by thousands of tourists who know little about its history](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83436001-13289881-Today_the_island_is_visited_by_thousands_of_tourists_who_know_li-a-51_1712706608210.jpg)
Today the island is visited by thousands of tourists who know little about its history
![Victims of the scandal claim the idyllic island has never been a safe place for children](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83435959-13289881-Victims_of_the_scandal_claim_the_idyllic_island_has_never_been_a-a-53_1712706608211.jpg)
Victims of the scandal claim the idyllic island has never been a safe place for children
Six girl victims were paid compensation after a civil court case found Father Thaddeus Kotik had sexually abused them between 1972 and 1987.
It was Father Thaddeus who raped and abused Kevin O'Connell, carrying out some of the attacks on an altar stone in the island's ruins.
In 2011 a man who lived on the island for seven years after being taken in by the monks was charged with possessing indecent images of children.
Two other men linked to Caldey, Father John Shannon and John Cronin, were convicted of sexual offences against children.
It was also Father Thaddeus who raped Mr O'Connell's older sister Rebecca, who died prematurely at the age of 49.
Mr O'Connell said: 'It was horrible, the police were told but they didn't want to know. I believe she died young because of what happened to her.
'I am her voice, I want justice for Rebecca, more than I want it for me.
'I was also offered money as compensation. I told them I don't want money, I want the truth.'
![In 2018, after years of torment, Kevin set up the Caldey Island Survivors Campaign and collected 5,000 signatures on a petition calling for a Public Inquiry](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83434055-13289881-In_2018_after_years_of_torment_Kevin_set_up_the_Caldey_Island_Su-a-56_1712706608213.jpg)
In 2018, after years of torment, Kevin set up the Caldey Island Survivors Campaign and collected 5,000 signatures on a petition calling for a Public Inquiry
![Kevin's sister Rebecca was also raped by Kotik. Tragically, she died at the age of 49 after a troubled life](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83434051-13289881-Kevin_s_sister_Rebecca_was_also_raped_by_Kotik_Tragically_she_di-a-61_1712706608217.jpg)
Kevin's sister Rebecca was also raped by Kotik. Tragically, she died at the age of 49 after a troubled life
![This week, the Abbey announced a 'thorough review' into historical claims of child abuse on the island](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83436011-13289881-This_week_the_Abbey_announced_a_thorough_review_into_historical_-a-55_1712706608213.jpg)
This week, the Abbey announced a 'thorough review' into historical claims of child abuse on the island
![The abbey is now under new leadership in the form of Fr Jan Rossey who has supported a full inquiry](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83436045-13289881-The_abbey_is_now_under_new_leadership_in_the_form_of_Fr_Jan_Ross-a-57_1712706608214.jpg)
The abbey is now under new leadership in the form of Fr Jan Rossey who has supported a full inquiry
Father Thaddeus Kotik died in 1992 without facing any criminal charges into claims he abused children on the holy island.
In recent weeks, the island has appointed safeguarding officer Maria Battle, former chair of the Howell Dda University Health Board in Wales.
She is a director of the Caldey island Estate Company Ltd which has led the anti-abuse campaigners to question her independence.
Since her appointment a page has appeared on the island's website saying Caldey operates under the Catholic Safeguarding Standard Agency.
This week, she announced that the Abbey has appointed Independent Safeguarding Consultant and former Assistant Police & Crime Commissioner for South Wales, Jan Pickles OBE to lead a 'thorough review' into historical claims of child abuse.
According to Battle, Mrs Pickles' review will be entirely independent to the CICS - but will consider the allegations of Kevin O'Connell.
The abbey is now under new leadership in the form of Fr Jan Rossey, who says he is committed to fostering openness and transparency within the monastery.
'In common with many other organisations, Caldey Abbey has, in the past, received disclosures and allegations involving members of the monastic community about their behaviour towards children', stated Father Jan.
'We take these allegations very seriously and, in order to uphold our commitment to safeguarding, we have commissioned a leading Independent Safeguarding Consultant, Jan Pickles OBE, to conduct a thorough review.'
'This review is about taking responsibility, learning from the past, and building a safe environment for everyone.'
![Mail Online visited the island at Easter, a few days after the ferry boats started running visitors to the 540-acre island](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83436023-13289881-Mail_Online_visited_the_island_at_Easter_a_few_days_after_the_fe-a-54_1712706608212.jpg)
Mail Online visited the island at Easter, a few days after the ferry boats started running visitors to the 540-acre island
![The island shop stocks Isle of Caldey chocolate along with souvenirs including tea towels, table mats and teddy bears](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83436027-13289881-The_island_shop_stocks_Isle_of_Caldey_chocolate_along_with_souve-a-52_1712706608211.jpg)
The island shop stocks Isle of Caldey chocolate along with souvenirs including tea towels, table mats and teddy bears
Mail Online visited the island at Easter, a few days after the ferry boats started running visitors to the 540-acre island a mile from the seaside resort of Tenby.
A visiting choir from Ireland was on the first boat along with young children and their parents, unaware of Caldey's secret history of child abuse.
For years the monks ran a profitable sideline making perfume from rare wild flowers growing on the windswept island. It stopped due to the 'ageing monastic community'.
The island shop stocks Isle of Caldey chocolate along with souvenirs including tea towels, table mats and slightly creepy teddy bears in black monks robes.
Caldey's Post Office doubles up as a museum with ancient relics on display along with a photograph of the 15 monks living on the island some years ago.
There is no caption giving the names of the brothers in the dark brown and cream robes they wear on the religious retreat, a 15-minute boat ride from Tenby.
Latest figures show 60,000 people visit Caldey every year to tour the Abbey, walk to the lighthouse and get an insight into island life for the 40 residents unconnected to the Cistercian Abbey.
Day tripper Kelly Jones, 38, from Blackwood, South Wales, said: 'I didn't know about the child abuse until the night before I visited.
'Someone told me that I was going to an island where dozens of children had been sexually abused. I was shocked. I still don't know what to make of it - there were monks involved. It doesn't bear thinking about.'
![Caldey's Post Office doubles up as a museum with ancient relics on display](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83436007-13289881-Caldey_s_Post_Office_doubles_up_as_a_museum_with_ancient_relics_-a-60_1712706608216.jpg)
Caldey's Post Office doubles up as a museum with ancient relics on display
![Latest figures show 60,000 people visit Caldey every year to tour the Abbey, walk to the lighthouse and get an insight into island life for the 40 residents unconnected to the Cistercian Abbey](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/10/00/83436021-13289881-Latest_figures_show_60_000_people_visit_Caldey_every_year_to_tou-a-59_1712706608216.jpg)
Latest figures show 60,000 people visit Caldey every year to tour the Abbey, walk to the lighthouse and get an insight into island life for the 40 residents unconnected to the Cistercian Abbey
Mother-of-two Lynne Jones, 45, of Swansea, who was visiting the island with friends, said: 'It's disgusting what went on here and just wrong that it was covered up because of the power of the Catholic Church.
'It's a beautiful and peaceful place, you have to close your mind to some of the horrors that children were put through. You'd never know it visiting the island, there's no mention of it anywhere.'
Mr O'Connell has vowed to continue his fight for a full Public Inquiry into the child abuse that has wrecked so many lives - but it isn't going to come soon.
'If any new information has come to light about alleged abuse this needs to be reported to the police and/or the local authority for the area where it took place.'
A Dyfed-Powys police spokeswoman said: 'All investigations have been concluded. There are currently no police investigations ongoing.
'While we cannot prosecute persons who are deceased, all victims were asked to provide an account to police in order that any other persons linked to the offence could be investigated fully.
'Each victim was offered a referral to appropriate support agencies and alongside the criminal investigation a safeguarding review was also undertaken.
'Given the overall circumstances, Dyfed-Powys Police is satisfied that appropriate inquiries have been conducted.
'All reports of sexual abuse are taken extremely seriously,and specially trained officers are appointed to investigate and support victims of non-recent abuse.'