Former teacher at Xavier and Marcellin colleges jailed for horrific child sex offences
FORMER phys-ed teacher Vili Kovac, 85, was today jailed for four years by County Court Judge Susan Cohen for the appalling sexual abuse of two boys — just the latest victims to come forward — in the 1960s.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A MONSTOUS paedophile who worked as a teacher at Xavier College and Marcellin College has been jailed for child abuse, despite his advanced age and failing health.
Former phys-ed teacher Vili Kovac, 85, was today jailed for four years by County Court Judge Susan Cohen for the appalling sexual abuse of two boys — the latest victims to come forward — in the 1960s.
REPORT SAYS CATHOLIC ARCHDIOCESE LET PAEDOPHILE PRIESTS FREE TO ABUSE CHILDREN
ROYAL COMMISSION FINDS ABUSE OF CHILDREN A CATASTROPHIC INSTITUTIONAL FAILURE OF CATHOLIC CHURCH
ST PAT’S COLLEGE STRIKES ARCHBISHOP FRANK LITTLE FROM RECORDS
Kovac, a diagnosed paedophile — claims to have won bronze for Yugoslavia in the 1960 Rome Olympics — although some say he, in fact, finished fourth.
Judge Cohen jailed Kovac to send a strong message of deterrence.
Since his case was reported by the Herald Sun last month, several former Xavier students have come forward, with one saying he was well-known at Xavier for his interest in young boys.
He was picked up as an athletics coach by Xavier College soon after he migrated to Australia in 1961.
He was known for organising school camps, where he abused many of his victims.
Though neither victim in the latest case was a student at Xavier, one was abused on the college grounds.
“He showed movies of students on camp ... leaving me with the impression these boys were having sex with him and each other,” one victim said in his impact statement.
The victim said his life had been ruined by Kovac, and he was now uncomfortable being around his own grandchildren.
VICTIMS ACCUSE XAVIER COLLEGE OF COVERING UP SEX ABUSE
“He abused me at the school and elsewhere. Your legacy ... lingers in my soul,” he said.
Another victim who confronted Kovac in court last month was a student at Marcellin, where Kovac taught after being kicked out of Xavier.
Kovac raped the boy while on a school camp in 1967 and forced him to endure a harrowing trial.
Judge Cohen heard Kovac was a diagnosed paedophile who had little insight into his offending and believed sexual abuse of boys was harmless.
There were many others at Xavier in the 1960s who were also abused by Kovac.
At least one wrote to Xavier two years ago, blaming the school for not alerting authorities and allowing Kovac to transfer to Marcellin.
“I would urge you to look into Xavier’s conduct in dismissing Kovac (for good but unstated reason) while presumably doing nothing to foil his later employment at other boys’ schools. Put simply, he was a monster and, were I to come across him on the street, I would not hesitate to beat the living crap out of him,” the former Xavier student said in the letter.
Marcellin principal Mark Murphy has already apologised to the school community.
“I am greatly saddened and appalled by this news and on behalf of our community offer my deepest apologies to those who have been affected by this criminal act of betrayal,” Mr Murphy said.
“Marcellin College in association with Marist Brothers Australia are committed to helping those who have suffered abuse in the past, find healing in their lives today.
To that end, we encourage anyone who may have suffered past abuse to contact the Professional Standards Office of the Marist Brothers for assistance.
Kovac — who has already done lengthy stints for similar offending — was jailed for four years. He must serve at least a year before being eligible or parole.