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Former Victorian Police detective Denis Ryan spent four decades fighting for justice for children abused by Catholic priest Monsignor John Day. Ryan was forced to resign from the force in 1972 after his superiors stopped him from charging Day. In 2015, Victoria Police admitted that a conspiracy to cover up Day's crimes went to the very top of the organisation, with Ryan telling the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that a Catholic mafia within the police had thwarted his attempts to charge Day. Ryan was awarded compensation by the state government of Victoria in 2018, but he said he would never feel vindicated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Denis Ryan |
| Occupation | Detective |
| Location | Victoria, Australia |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Age | 86 in 2018, 93 when he died in 2025 |
| Awards/Recognitions | Named Australia Day Citizen of the Year by Mildura Rural City Council in 2018 |
| Notable Events | Forced out of the police force in 1972 for attempting to charge Catholic priest Monsignor John Day with sexual offences; received compensation and an official apology from Victoria Police in 2016 |
| Publications | Co-authored the book "Unholy Trinity: Stonewalled by the Catholic Church and Betrayed by His Own Police Force Over Decades" with Peter Hoysted |
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What You'll Learn
Denis Ryan's career as a detective
Former Victorian Police detective Denis Ryan spent four decades fighting for justice for children abused by Catholic priest Monsignor John Day. Ryan was driven from the police force in 1972 after his superiors stopped him from charging Monsignor Day. In 2015, Victoria Police admitted a conspiracy to cover up the crimes of Monsignor Day, with Ryan telling the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse that a "'Catholic mafia' within the Victorian Police had thwarted his attempts to charge the priest.
Ryan's investigation of sexual abuse by a monsignor was suppressed by what he called a "Catholic mafia" in the police department. He was financially and professionally ruined by his superiors for trying to bring a paedophile priest to justice. He gave up his police pension when he chose to resign from the force after being ordered to drop his investigation into Monsignor Day. The decision had a profound impact on his life, costing him a marriage and the prospect of a comfortable retirement.
In the years after he resigned from the police force, Ryan was forced to find work as a fruit packer and would later become mayor of the Mildura Shire. Despite surrendering his badge, he pursued a relentless campaign to expose the role that Victoria Police's most senior officers played in covering up for Monsignor Day. In 2015, he testified before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, stating that he thought of the victims, whose lives had been shattered by the acts of a paedophile priest.
In 2016, Victoria Police officially apologised to Ryan. In 2018, he was named the Australia Day Citizen of the Year by Mildura Rural City Council. Ryan died in Mildura in 2025, aged 93.
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The Catholic Church's involvement
The Catholic Church had known about Day's activities for years, but instead of taking action, Bishop Ronald Mulkearns defended and moved Day when the allegations threatened to become public. Even after Day's death in 1978, Mulkearns praised him as having "faithfully fulfilled his ministry in God's name." The Church's response to the allegations and its protection of Day demonstrate a prioritization of the Church's reputation over the well-being of the victims.
In 2015, Ryan testified before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and Victoria Police officially apologized to him in 2016. Ryan's courage and determination to seek justice for the victims were recognized, and he was compensated by the Victorian Government for the wrongs he suffered. While the Church's role in the cover-up caused significant trauma to the victims and Ryan himself, the truth eventually came to light through Ryan's persistence and the Royal Commission.
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The 'Catholic Mafia' within the police
The Mafia has long been associated with Catholicism, with its initiation rituals and organisational structure sharing similarities with the Catholic Church. Despite the Church's condemnation of the Mafia's criminal activities, the visual imagery of Catholicism is often used in Mafia literature and media.
Former Victorian Police detective Denis Ryan shone a light on the presence of a "Catholic Mafia" within the police force in Australia. Ryan's superiors blocked his attempts to charge Catholic priest Monsignor John Day for child sexual abuse in the 1970s, forcing him to resign and costing him his pension and benefits. Ryan described a "Catholic mafia" within the Victorian Police that thwarted his efforts to seek justice for the victims. In 2015, Victoria Police admitted to a conspiracy to cover up Day's crimes, and officially apologised to Ryan in 2016. Ryan's story is one of courage and determination, as he spent four decades fighting for justice for the victims and bringing attention to the issue of sexual abuse by members of the Catholic Church.
The existence of a "Catholic Mafia" within the police force is indicative of the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing organised crime and the influence of religious institutions. Similar to the Mafia's ability to operate in the shadows, the "Catholic Mafia" within the police was able to protect its members and maintain a code of silence. This case highlights the importance of addressing corruption and ensuring that justice is served, regardless of external pressures or influences.
While the Mafia and Catholicism have been linked in popular culture, the existence of a "Catholic Mafia" within the police force is a concerning reality. It is crucial that law enforcement agencies address such issues and hold those involved accountable to prevent further injustices and maintain the integrity of the justice system.
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The impact on Ryan's life
The impact on Denis Ryan's life was profound and far-reaching. He was forced to resign from the Victoria Police Force in 1972 after his attempts to charge Catholic priest Monsignor John Day, a serial paedophile, were thwarted by his superiors. Ryan's resignation resulted in the loss of his police pension and benefits, leaving him financially ruined and struggling to make ends meet. The decision also cost him his marriage, and he spoke of the nightmares he continued to suffer as a result of his traumatic experiences.
Ryan's career and reputation were destroyed, and he described feeling shattered by the betrayal and obstruction he faced. He was unable to let go of what had happened, always thinking of the victims and the injustice they had endured. His determination to seek justice for them was recognised by those who paid tribute to him, with one saying, "His determination meant a lot to us all... He's a chap that's going to be really missed in our community and missed by a lot of victims that he still had time for."
The impact of Ryan's actions extended beyond his personal life and career. His efforts to expose the truth shone a light on the dark chapter in Australia's history, revealing the rampant sexual abuse of children by members of the Catholic Church. Ryan's story also brought to light the cover-up culture within the Church and the police force, where certain individuals prioritised the reputation of the Church over the welfare of vulnerable children.
Despite the challenges and the toll it took on his life, Ryan never gave up his decades-long fight for justice. He testified before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in 2015, and his courage and commitment were eventually recognised. In 2018, Ryan was compensated by the Victorian Government and received an official apology from Victoria Police. While he stated that he would never feel vindicated, his persistence and integrity ultimately helped bring the truth to light and inspired others to continue seeking justice.
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The road to justice and compensation
Former Victorian Police detective Denis Ryan spent four decades fighting for justice for children abused by Monsignor John Day, a Catholic priest in Mildura, northwest Victoria. In 1972, Ryan was forced to resign from the police force and give up his police pension after his superiors stopped him from charging Day. Ryan called this blocking a "Catholic mafia" within the Victorian Police.
In 2015, Ryan testified before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, and Victoria Police admitted that there had been a conspiracy to cover up Day's crimes. The following year, Victoria Police officially apologized to Ryan. In 2018, at 86 years old, Ryan received a confidential settlement from the Victorian Government, which his negotiator said would allow him "to live the remainder of his life with a measure of comfort and [...] validation, restoring some of the dignity that he would've lost over those years." Ryan died in 2025, aged 93.
- Documentation and Evidence-Gathering: It is essential to gather and preserve any evidence or documentation related to the abuse allegations. This includes medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant information. In Ryan's case, he had statements from victims, which provided crucial evidence.
- Breaking the Silence: Victims and survivors speaking out about their experiences can play a pivotal role in exposing institutional failures and holding perpetrators accountable. In Ryan's case, the testimonies of survivors played a vital role in bringing attention to the cover-up and seeking justice.
- Independent Investigations: Pushing for independent inquiries or royal commissions can be pivotal in uncovering the truth and exposing systemic failures. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Australia is an example of how a comprehensive investigation can shed light on abuse, leading to institutional reforms and justice for victims.
- Legal Advocacy: Seeking legal advice and representation can help victims navigate the complex legal system and increase their chances of receiving compensation. Experienced lawyers can guide victims through the process, ensuring their rights are protected and helping them avoid potential pitfalls.
- Public Awareness and Support: Building public awareness and support for victims' causes can be instrumental in pressuring institutions to act justly. Public pressure can influence governments, law enforcement agencies, and other authorities to address historical injustices and implement preventive measures to protect children.
- Ongoing Support for Victims: Providing ongoing emotional, psychological, and practical support to victims and survivors is crucial. This includes access to counseling, support groups, and other resources to help individuals cope with the trauma of abuse and navigate the often lengthy journey toward justice and compensation.
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Frequently asked questions
Denis Ryan was a former Victorian Police detective who was driven out of the police force in 1972 for trying to bring a paedophile priest to justice.
Ryan was blocked by senior police officers and ordered to drop the case. He resigned and lost his police pension and benefits.
In 2015, Ryan testified before the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. He also co-authored a book, Unholy Trinity, about his experiences.
Yes, in 2018, Ryan received a confidential settlement from the Victorian Government. He was also named the Australia Day Citizen of the Year by the Mildura Rural City Council in the same year.
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