Marist College Abuse Victim Turned to Tattoo Pain for Relief from Self-Loathing
A victim of sexual abuse by a former Marist Brothers College teacher has revealed he turned to the physical pain of getting numerous tattoos to help ease intense feelings of "self-loathing" in the years following the assaults. His impact statement was read aloud in the ACT Supreme Court on Friday, February 13, 2026, during the sentencing proceedings for his abuser, Malcolm John Dickson, aged 85.
Details of the Abuse and Court Proceedings
Malcolm Dickson, who worked as a lay teacher at Marist College in Pearce between 1980 and 1981, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to a rolled-up count of indecent assault. The guilty plea came just one hour into his trial. The court heard that the victim was 16 years old at the time of the abuse, not residing at home, and living at various addresses, including a youth refuge.
At some point, the boy was introduced to Dickson through another person, who provided a note allowing him to stay at Dickson's home in Hughes. Dickson, then approximately 40 years old, is said to have given the boy wine before committing sexual acts while the child was intoxicated.
Victim's Emotional Impact and Coping Mechanisms
In his statement, the victim expressed how Dickson robbed him of his youth and led him to question his self-worth. "You made me turn to alcohol," he said. "When I was drunk I could sort of forget, at least for a while, what you done to me." He also described using tattoos as a form of relief, stating, "These were good because they hurt," highlighting the deep psychological scars left by the abuse.
Legal Arguments and Previous Convictions
Prosecutor Sam McLaughlin urged the court to view some of Dickson's claims about volunteer work "with scepticism," arguing they "simply do not stack up with timing." Defence barrister Travis Jackson noted that his client, who required a hearing aid in court, was "significantly deaf" and had mobility issues that would make imprisonment difficult.
Additionally, Dickson had previously been convicted of sexually abusing a nine-year-old boy in Queensland in 2001. He had also been accused of sexual crimes against another person, though not charged; the prosecution intended to use this as tendency evidence in the trial.
Court Decision and Sentencing
Chief Justice Lucy McCallum ruled that time behind bars was necessary and revoked Dickson's bail. She is set to hand down his sentence later this month. Support services are available for those affected by such issues, including Lifeline at 13 11 14 and Bravehearts at 1800 272 831.
This case underscores the long-term trauma inflicted by sexual abuse and the complex ways victims may cope with their pain, as highlighted by the victim's poignant testimony in court.
