Child Molesters, Child Abuse Effects: Bulimia, Eating Disorders, Addictions

The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools this week began its search for a new principal to replace Jude Lynch (44), at the Good Shepherd Primary School on Dungiven Road.

Lynch tendered his resignation after pleading guilty to 29 sex offences against three underage boys in the Ballymena area and Belfast.

The former principal, from Learmount Road in the Park area of Co Derry, confessed to a string of indecent assaults and gross indecency offences against three males, all under 17 years of age.

In October, Lynch was released on bail at Antrim Crown Court pending sentence, and his name added to the sex offenders' register.

It was made clear in court that none of the victims had ever attended the Good Shepherd school.

The former principal was suspended from his job while the case against him proceeded.

The Deputy Chief Executive for the Council for Catholic Mantained Schools, Jim Clarke, however, today confirmed Lynch had tendered his resignation immediately after entering his guilty plea to the charges.

"What we have done now is advertise for a new principal," Mr Clarke said.

Lynch's litany of offences occurred in the Ballymena area and in Belfast, between September 2002 and May 2003.

Speaking during the hearing in October, Judge David Smyth said it was a "serious case . . . with possibly a number of aggravating features".

He added that Victim Impact Reports would need to be prepared.

The case was adjourned for mention on a date to be fixed, and a date for sentencing has also yet to be set.

In addition, Lynch has pleaded guilty to numerous counts of indecent assault, and gross indecency.

He has also pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting indecent assault, two counts of aiding and abetting gross indecency with a child, one count of attempted buggery and one count of inciting gross indecency with a child.

Lynch is due back in court for sentence