Second St Ignatius College student alleges abuse by pedophile former teacher Stephen Hamra in wake of victim’s public statement

Another St Ignatius College student has come forward claiming abuse by pedophile Stephen Hamra – whose time at another prestigious school is now the subject of inquiries.

Another St Ignatius College graduate has come forward alleging he was raped by pedophile former teacher Stephen Hamra in circumstances near-identical to those of a settled lawsuit.

The Advertiser can reveal the former student, who cannot be named, has sought legal advice over allegations he was assaulted by Hamra on College grounds in the 2000s.

The student alleges that he, like a peer who recently settled a $795,000 claim against the school, was violently attacked and physically hurt by Hamra in the incident.

He further alleges that incident occurred at a time when the school knew Hamra was suspected of abusing other children but had not fired him.

Meanwhile, SA court records show there have been other cases lodged, and settled out of court, over Hamra’s alleged actions.

One of those lawsuits alleged sexual abuse dating back almost 60 years.

Stephen Hamra outside the District Court in 2017. Picture: Greg Higgs

Additionally, separate inquiries are being undertaken into whether St Ignatius told Christian Brothers College of the suspected abuse before he started working there.

At CBC, Hamra worked with students one-on-one as a counsellor – there is no suggestion that he abused or offended against anyone during that period.

On Friday, CBC principal David Johston said Hamra had been employed on-site from 2008 to 2011.

“The College was not made aware of any concerns regarding child safety at the time of his employment,” he said.

Hamra is serving a 12-year prison term for abusing two children including Greg Trembath, who has informed SA Police of more than 50 other boys left unsupervised in his care.

At the time, Hamra was still working at CBC – he was stood down upon his arrest, with a letter to parents claiming he was “on leave due to family issues”.

In March, a former St Ignatius student claimed Hamra raped him in the college gymnasium in 2000.

He further alleged the school had been aware of Hamra’s suspected pedophilia since 1995 but neither fired him nor told West Adelaide Football Club, for whom he billeted junior players.

Abuse survivor Greg Trembath has provided SA Police with the names of 50 boys left unsupervised in Hamra’s care. Picture: Brenton Edwards

The school denied liability, dubbing Hamra’s actions “opportunistic”, before the parties reached an out-of-court settlement.

On Friday, lawyer and victims advocate Andrew Carpenter, who represented that student, said he was not surprised to hear another person had come forward.

“I fully expect many other brave individuals to follow Greg Trembath’s courage and get the justice that they truly deserve,” he said.

“There are so many people that have been suffering in silence because of Hamra’s selfish rampage – I call on them to remove the backpack of their trauma and come forward.”

Mr Johnston said CBC’s priority was “the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in our care”.

“We have well established child safeguarding policies and practices that meet national best practice,” he said.

“At the time of employment, all new staff must meet statutory requirements and obligations in relation to child safeguarding as was the case with Mr Hamra who was employed between 2008 and 2011.”

St Ignatius College said in a statement that it acknowledged the harm caused by Stephen Hamra to victim survivors, their families and the wider community.

“The College has not recently been contacted by South Australian Police to assist with any enquiries concerning Stephen Hamra. If contacted, the College will provide SA Police with its full support,” it read.

“We urge anyone who may have been impacted by abuse to report their experience to SA Police.

“We will fully support anyone who comes forward with allegations and cooperate with authorities in the investigation of them.

“The College is resolute in its commitment to learn the lessons of the past and supporting those impacted to heal from the damage caused by historical abuse.

“Student welfare and caring for our community is our highest priority.”

SA Police have been contacted for comment.

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If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, help is available from the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service on 1800 RESPECT.

Survivors and their families can also access a free, confidential peer support service through the Survivors and Mates Support Network at samsn.org.au