A former priest who admitted sexually abusing young people at a Christchurch boys’ school has now been accused of further offending in Wellington.

Father Rowan Donoghue‘s name was suppressed on six charges for offending between 1996 and 2000 at St Bede’s College.

Now, after being named in January, police say they have been made aware of further allegations surrounding Donoghue‘s time at a Wellington Catholic school, St Patrick’s College Silverstream.

Former students at the Upper Hutt school have alleged similar offending as what took place in Christchurch, which included multiple charges of indecent assault on a boy aged 12-16, indecent assault on a boy 16 and over, and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection.

Detective Senior Sergeant Karen Simmons said several officers were investigating the allegations, and is encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

Donoghue worked at St Patrick’s College Silverstream from 1982 to 1992.

“We know it can be incredibly difficult and at times distressing to talk about these matters, but we would like to reassure any victims of offending that we will take them seriously,” Simmons said.

“Police has a number of officers and detectives dedicated to these cases, and we provide a safe space to report offending in confidence.”

The 69-year-old pleaded guilty to the charges in October last year and is remanded in custody.

He will be sentenced on the charges on May 13.

Donoghue first appeared in the Christchurch District Court in October 2024.

His application for name suppression was declined, but he filed an appeal in the High Court, meaning his details remained secret.

The offending was revealed when he abandoned the appeal in February last year and pleaded not guilty.

Rowan Maxwell Donoghue, 69, worked at St Bede’s College as a priest and dean of boarders.

St Patrick’s College Silverstream has a school roll of 720 students and boarding facilities for 110 students.

It describes itself as being founded on Catholic and Marist values and traditions.