Mount Carmel College – now known as Columba Catholic College – at centre of historical sex abuse claim

Shocking allegations of sexual and physical abuse have been made by a former student of a Queensland Catholic school against three staff members over a 12-month period, and lawyers say there are likely more potential claimants out there.

The abuse was allegedly perpetrated by three staff members over a 12-month period in the 1980s. Picture: File photo/Thinkstock

Shocking allegations of sexual and physical abuse have been made by a former student of a Queensland Catholic school against three staff members.

The historical allegations were made against staff at Mount Carmel College in Charters Towers, which is now known as Columba Catholic College, in the 1980s.

Maurice Blackburn is representing the male student in civil proceedings who was aged 12-13 at the time of alleged conduct when he was a boarder at the college.

Maurice Blackburn associate Heather Kerley said alleged abuse was sexual and physical, and included floggings as a form of punishment.

Ms Kerley said the abuse against the man, now aged in his 50s, was allegedly perpetrated by three staff members over a 12-month period.

She said some of the alleged abuse included digital penetration and forced masturbation, with civil litigation set to commence later this year.

“We are bringing allegations of penetrative abuse and several floggings with various items. More of a deprived nature, not with a cane,” Ms Kerley said.

Ms Kerley said her client had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and several other conditions that had led him to substance abuse as a result of the alleged treatment.

“It’s had a longstanding impact on his life,” she said.

“He has experienced a number of difficulties, homelessness, self-harm, significant psychiatric symptoms like nightmares and has difficult engaging in employment.”

Ms Kerley said one other survivor had come forward but suspected more were out there.

“We do suspect there are other alleged victims out there,” she said.

“We are calling for survivors or people who witnessed abuse to come forward. Some details can seem insignificant but can be crucial.

“If there is anyone who can tell us how the school was run, its culture, or what they observed or even if they have school yearbooks from that period it will help.”

Ms Kerley said her client would be forced to submit a claim through the courts.

Mount Carmel College was owned and operated by the Christian Brothers until 1997 when it was relinquished to the Townsville Diocese.

The college, and fellow Catholic schools in St Columba’s Primary School and St Mary’s College amalgamated to form Columba Catholic College in 1998.

Attempts were made to contact the college and to the Christian Brothers Oceania Province.