Peter Gogarty fronted a special NSW commission of inquiry ­yesterday into how Catholic church officials and police ­handled child sex abuse allegations involving priests James Fletcher and Denis McAlinden.

During Mr Gogarty’s 15 minute submission, there were tears and some applause in the public gallery.

As a result of his experiences and through discussions with other victims, he said two ­questions commonly arose: “What would my life have been if I had never met him and why was there so much secrecy when so many people knew?”.

Mr Gogarty said child abuse was amplified when perpetrated by priests because they had betrayed the trust in which they were held.

The horror of it remained a ­significant part of many of the ­victims’ lives and lay behind some their suicides, he told commissioner Margaret Cunneen  in the Newcastle Supreme Court.

The inquiry was prompted by whistleblower policeman, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox, alleging church officials covered up paedophile crimes and were aided by a “Catholic mafia” within the police force.

Mr Gogarty commended the police he came into contact with after making a complaint about Fletcher’s abuse for showing him patience and respect. 

He also recognised the efforts of former Maitland/Newcastle Catholic Bishop Michael Malone and other diocesan staff for efforts they had made in recent years to address the problem and support victims.