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Christopher Saunders sentenced to prison for sexual abuse
Christopher Alan Saunders, the 76-year-old former Catholic Bishop of Broome, has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison for the sexual abuse of two young Indigenous men. The sentencing by the District Court of Western Australia follows a conviction in August where Saunders was found guilty of 13 offences, including one count of sexual penetration without consent and 12 counts of indecent assault.
Prosecutors established that Saunders groomed his victims by inviting them to church-owned properties, such as a beach house and his residence, and providing them with alcohol, cigarettes, and money to facilitate the assaults. The offences occurred between 2008 and 2019 while he led the remote Broome Diocese. Saunders, who resigned in 2021 following the allegations, has consistently denied the charges.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, issued a statement apologizing for the profound betrayal of trust and the suffering inflicted on the victims. Saunders will be eligible for parole in February 2031.
Entities
Broome · Broome Diocese · Catholic Church · Christopher Alan Saunders · District Court of Western Australia · Martin Flynn · Timothy Costelloe · West Australian District Court · Western Australia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Saunders is the highest-ranking Catholic in Australia convicted of sexual abuse during his time in the clergy. www.perthnow.com.au · www.mandurahmail.com.au · thenightly.com.au
- [● 8 SOURCES] The sexual abuse occurred between 2008 and 2019. www.perthnow.com.au · www.mandurahmail.com.au · world-today-journal.com · uzalendonews.co.ke · thenightly.com.au · +2 more
- [● 17 SOURCES] Christopher Alan Saunders was found guilty of 13 sex offences. www.perthnow.com.au · www.mandurahmail.com.au · thenightly.com.au · world-today-journal.com · uzalendonews.co.ke · +11 more
- [● 17 SOURCES] Christopher Alan Saunders was sentenced to six years and six months of imprisonment. www.perthnow.com.au · www.mandurahmail.com.au · thenightly.com.au · world-today-journal.com · uzalendonews.co.ke · +11 more
- [● 17 SOURCES] The offences included one count of sexual penetration without consent and twelve counts of unlawful and indecent assault. www.perthnow.com.au · www.mandurahmail.com.au · world-today-journal.com · thenightly.com.au · thesun.my · +11 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The prison sentence was backdated to August 12. www.perthnow.com.au · www.mandurahmail.com.au · thenightly.com.au · thesun.my
- [● 4 SOURCES] Saunders was acquitted of three counts of unlawful and indecent assault relating to a third complainant. thenightly.com.au · world-today-journal.com · uzalendonews.co.ke · thedialog.org
- [● 5 SOURCES] Saunders is eligible for parole after serving four years and six months. www.perthnow.com.au · www.mandurahmail.com.au · thenightly.com.au · cathnews.com