A former Surf Coast mayor won a $550,000 settlement from two Catholic religious orders five days before his institutional abuse case was due to begin in the Supreme Court.

Brian McKiterick reached the settlement with the Christian Brothers and Vincentian Fathers after he was sexually abused by two priests at two separate schools.

Arnold, Thomas and Becker lawyer Cameron Doig said the outcome showed the power of civil litigation to shine a spotlight on “the church’s notorious and sordid history of shuffling around known paedophile priests”.

“Despite the defendants’ denials and deflections, Brian’s persistence forced the Christian Brothers and Vincentian Fathers to concede and pay him this substantial sum to avoid court,” he said.

“The church’s apologies demonstrate how ordinary people like Brian can use the courts to achieve true accountability and recognition from powerful and wealthy defendants.”