WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: The five nuns, who have pleaded not guilty, are named on an indictment containing 108 charges relating to alleged abuse spanning 17 years at Nazareth House in Scotland
A further hearing has been scheduled in the case of five nuns charged with historic abuse against several children, including allegations that some kids were forced to kiss a corpse.
Marie Docherty, 84, Mary Broderick, 84, Margaret McLafferty, 68, Kathleen McLean, 77, and Mary Doyle, 81, are listed on an indictment containing 108 charges. The allegations span 17 years with offences claimed to have occurred primarily at Nazareth House facilities in Aberdeen and Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, between 1965 and 1982.
The indictment includes a claim that Docherty compelled a boy to eat rotten food, beating him with a wooden stick, and making him stand while wearing soiled bedding and confining him in a room.
Another charge claims Docherty pressed a hot iron onto a teenage girl’s hand and repeatedly beat her on her head and body and forced to lie in bed.
Docherty allegedly denied another girl food, causing her to collapse. The same girl also allegedly had soap shoved into her mouth, which made her sick. The charges claim that her head was then thrust into the vomit, and she was ordered to consume it.
Further charges claim that Docherty, Broderick, and Doyle made some children kiss a corpse.
The indictment also contains claims that children were punched, beaten, kicked, force-fed, made to stand while wearing soiled bedding or clothing and more.
A preliminary hearing occurred at the High Court in Glasgow on Monday before Lord Renucci, who set a further preliminary hearing for January 22, 2027.
The court has allocated eight weeks for a trial commencing on March 30, 2027, in Glasgow.
The defendants have previously entered pleas of not guilty.
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