Convicted paedophile David Cyprys appeals sexual abuse conviction

David Cyprys

A NOTORIOUS paedophile who assaulted nine students at an exclusive orthodox Jewish College has shocked his victims by launching an appeal against his conviction.

David Samuel Cyprys was jailed for eight years in December for the shocking attacks on young boys at Elsternwick’s Yeshiva College.

The prominent orthodox school has been rocked by a sexual abuse crisis that last year saw two former employees jailed.

Cyprys was charged with more than 40 child sex offences spanning the 1980s and 1990s against children aged between seven and 17.

A jury found him guilty of five charges of rape against one former student before he pleaded guilty to a further 12 assault-related charges against eight other complainants.

But in a shock move, Cyprys has lodged an appeal with the Court of Appeal.

While the specifics of it are not known, a Supreme Court spokeswoman said the appeal — seeking leave to appeal Mr Cyprys’ conviction — was lodged on January 21.

Sentencing County Court Judge Peter Wischusen said Cyprys’ offending had been sustained and had targeted young and vulnerable victims.

He said victims were threatened to never tell anyone about the abuse, some of which took place in religious buildings at Yeshivah Centre.

Shortly after his arrest in late 2011, police hit out at some members of Melbourne’s orthodox Jewish community, saying they had actively tried to protect Cyprys from authorities.

The Herald Sun revealed last year that Cyprys, a karate teacher and security guard, was allowed to continue working at the school despite being found guilty of indecent assault in 1991.

Cyprys was fined $1500 and placed on a good behaviour bond, without conviction, after appearing at the Prahran Magistrates’ Court in 1992.

Victim’s advocate Manny Waks, who was abused by Cyprys and successfully applied to the County Court to have his name made public, said he was appalled by the appeal.

“An appeal of this kind would no doubt have a detrimental impact on some of Cyprys’ many victims,’’ he said.

“Many would want to move on from this difficult period but he is now causing us to relive the trauma he inflicted upon us.

“It also highlights the lack of remorse by Cyprys, something the judge pointed out during the case. I am confident that justice will prevail, again.’’

Herald Sun