A Galway-man who alleges he was one of six boys sexually abused in an industrial school some 40 years ago has denied he was given advice by a social worker on how to memorise details.

The 72-year-old ex-Christian Brother has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 35 counts of indecently assaulting the boys between 1967 and 1973 when they were residents at the Galway school.

A 47-year-old former-pupil denied a suggestion by defence counsel, Mr Hugh Hartnett SC, that a social worker, who was also at the school, told him to write down details of his allegation to help "memorise" them.

He admitted the social worker called to his home on one occasion and informed him there was a local solicitor dealing with cases of alleged abuse from the school.

He told prosecuting counsel, Mr Eanna Mulloy SC, the accused would line the boys up in the shower and check if they were dry by rubbing their genitals. He said on another occasion he was brought down to an office where the accused "interfered" with him.

He alleged the accused told him to put his hands on his penis and when he refused he "clattered" him and told him to get out, warning him not to tell anyone.

Another former pupil broke down several times in the witness box as he claimed he was sexually abused by the accused on multiple occasions.

The 46-year-old man cried as he said the accused would abuse him while he was alone in places such as the dormitory or clothing store. He said he would stand behind him and pull down his trousers to fondle his genitalia.

He agreed with Mr Hartnett that he met with the same social worker as the other complainant but denied there was an attempt to "jig his memory" about the alleged abuses. He said he met the social worker on three occasions and during the second meeting he agreed to make a statement to gardaí.

The trial continues before Judge Tony Hunt with the jury of six men and six women.

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