Former Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders on trial for sexual abuse of Aboriginal men

Former Catholic Bishop of Broome, Christopher Alan Saunders, 76, is facing a Western Australian District Court trial on 26 sexual‑offence charges alleged to have occurred between 2008 and 2017. Prosecutors say Saunders abused Aboriginal teenagers and young men after arranging alcohol‑fueled gatherings using church funds, and that he bought alcohol, cigarettes and clothing for the victims.

The trial has revealed that Saunders, who served as chaplain at Broome prison, visited one alleged victim repeatedly while the victim was incarcerated in several prisons, providing money for calls and cigarettes. The victim, now in his thirties, testified that he first met Saunders at the bishop’s Broome home when he was 16, describing the priest’s behaviour as a “boss‑like” relationship that later turned sexual. Saunders has pleaded not guilty to all counts.