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Disgraced former Bishop of Broome learns fate over sex offences
The jury found he groomed the men with alcohol, money and cigarettes before sentencing him to 6 years and 6 months in prison.
- On Wednesday, former Bishop of Broome Christopher Alan Saunders was sentenced to 6.5 years in prison for sexually abusing two young Aboriginal men, following his conviction on 13 offenses.
- Prosecutors revealed Saunders, known as 'Brother B,' used his seniority to manipulate victims, hosting alcohol-fueled parties at church-owned properties to access the men.
- District Court Judge Martin Flynn noted Saunders disregarded victims' rights to make free choices, while one victim stated, "I was a toy that he was using," with parole eligibility in February 2031.
- Following the trial's conclusion, the Vatican can now restart its Vos Estis Lux Mundi investigation into the former bishop's conduct, with Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB condemning crimes that "violate the dignity and betray the trust of victims and survivors."
- Despite the conviction, defence lawyer Tony Hager said Saunders maintains his innocence; Saunders was ordered to leave his Kimberley diocese in 2022 following the public emergence of abuse allegations.
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Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Australia’s most senior Catholic convicted of sexual abuse jailed for more than six years
Christopher Alan Saunders, 76, appeared in WA District Court on Wednesday after he was found guilty by a jury on 13 charges including unlawful and indecent assault and penetration without consent in August.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left4Leaning Right1Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Left, 44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left, 44% of the sources are Center
45% Left
L 45%
C 44%
11%
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