Prolific paedophile Paul Dunleavy, who was convicted of a string of sexual offences against children, has died.
The Christian Brother was sentenced to ten years behind bars last November after being convicted of 36 charges of historical sexual abuse against nine boys.
The 89-year-old died in hospital on Tuesday, the Prison Service has confirmed.
The offences took place between 1964 and 1991 while Dunleavy worked at four schools in Belfast, Newry and Armagh, with the victims aged between seven and 14.
Dunleavy had already been behind bars after he was previously convicted on two separate occasions of sexual offences against children.
Over three trials the predator, who retired in 1997, was convicted of 72 offences involving 18 victims in total.
Offences included indecent assault, attempted buggery and gross indecency with or towards a child.
Concerns were raised last year after The Congregation of Christian Brothers confirmed that despite the convictions Dunleavy remained a member of the order.
It is understood the convicted sex offender died in hospital after being taken from Maghaberry prison.
A spokesman for the Prison Service said: “The Northern Ireland Prison Service can confirm the death of an 89-year-old male prisoner from Maghaberry at an outside hospital.
“As with standard procedure, the PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed.”
Solicitor Owen Beattie, of Owen Beattie Solicitors, who represents several victims, said “the shadow of Paul Dunleavy covers a history of systemic abuse perpetrated on an industrial scale across the country”.
“The questionable conduct of the Christian Brothers throughout this period is still under intensive investigation which will be factored into ongoing litigation before the High Court,” he added.