Former Trinity teacher Garry Mulroy in Cambodia. Photo Facebook

The Lismore Trinity College community is in shock after discovering that one of its former teachers has been arrested in Cambodia on alleged pedophile offences.

Garry Mulroy, 69, now lives in Siem Reap where he has been co-ordinating ‘immersion courses’ for students of the school.

According to Cambodian media he was arrested on Tuesday last week for allegedly paying six boys aged between 11 and 14 for sex.

There is no suggestion that Mr Mulroy had sex with any of the students at Trinity. He was widely admired by students and staff during his time there.

The school has cancelled its forthcoming immersion tour and wrote to parents and students on Friday about the matter.

Students were also called to a briefing on Monday.

In Friday’s letter, principal Brother John Hilet, wrote, ‘a former member of staff of Trinity Catholic College Lismore has been arrested in Cambodia in relation to alleged child sexual abuse matters. The incidents relate solely to Cambodia. The college first became aware of the arrest on February 1, 2019. As a result of this, we have cancelled the Cambodia immersion.

Br Hilet added that, ‘all members of staff are inducted regularly into all areas of child protection. This includes a comprehensive presentation that takes place annually, the most recent presentation to staff having taken place on January 30, 2019’.

A media statement from the school stated that ‘as a result of the allegations and media reports about them the school had cancelled the immersion and informed parents about the media reports’.

‘The principal yesterday met with staff and students regarding the media reports and the college has put in place counselling and support for staff and students.’

It further added that ‘the school encourages anyone who has information regarding child sexual abuse to take the matters directly to police. They are in the best position to investigate the matter fully and objectively.’