A paedophile who abused children in care in Ireland is expected to be freed next year after his record 36-year jail sentence was reduced following a review.

James Kelly, 75, known as Brother Ambrose when he worked at a boys home in Cork, has served 18 months of the sentence after admitting, in 1999, 18 offences against children in his care.

He initially denied the charges, but later admitted sample counts of sex abuse against three boys in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

In a review of his sentence this week he had the balance of his sentence suspended by a court. He was not immediately released because he is still completing a sentence imposed previously for offences committed in Galway.

He is due to get out of jail in February. It is expected that he will leave Ireland and be under the constant supervision and care of the Brothers of Charity religious order in the UK.

See also

Eire pledges abuse compensation