NSW Abuse survivor awarded over $1.4M

On 5 July 2023, the NSW Supreme Court ordered that the convicted paedophile and former CEO of Bega Cheese, Maurice Van Ryn, pay $1,416,829.85 in compensation for historical sexual abuse perpetrated against one of his victims.

The Plaintiff, now 27 years old, sought damages for the psychological injury he has suffered as a result of the abuse perpetrated against him by Van Ryn when he was a child.

The abuse did not occur in an institutional setting and the claim was brought against Van Ryn as an individual.

Though Van Ryn was present via audiovisual link for the hearing, his defence was withdrawn, and the claim went undefended. The Court had to assess an appropriate amount of damages.

Justice Chen of the NSW Supreme Court awarded Mr Van Ryn to pay $1,416,829.85 in damages.

Broken down as follows:

• General Damages (including aggravated and exemplary damages) $500,000.00;
• Interest on general damages $26,000.00;
• Past loss of earning capacity $255,000.00;
• Interest on past loss of earning capacity $31,875.00;
• Past loss of superannuation $28,050.00;
• Interest on past loss of superannuation $3,506.25;
• Future loss of earning capacity $506,260.00;
• Future loss of superannuation $55,688.60; and
• Future out-of-pocket expenses $10,450.00.

It is important to remember that claims can be brought against an individual, but expert advice is required to consider whether a judgment can be satisfied.

Chamberlains Law Firm represents clients for historical sexual abuse claims against both institutions and individuals. The hope in bringing a claim for childhood historical abuse is to hold the individual or institution accountable and provide some financial compensation to the survivor for the harm caused. Please get in touch with our experienced team in this area for a confidential no-obligation initial chat.