[REVISION HISTORY]

Former Bishop of Broome convicted of sexual abuse

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2026-08-13 12:33 UTC → 2026-08-14 14:03 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In July 2026, a Western Australian District Court began hearing the trial of former Bishop of Broome Christopher Alan Saunders, 76, on 26 sexual-offence charges alleged to have occurred between 2008 and 2017. Prosecutors alleged Saunders organized alcohol-fueled gatherings on church-owned property, providing food, cigarettes, and church-funded alcohol to Aboriginal youths. During these gatherings, victims were allegedly required to strip to their boxer shorts and were subjected to wrestling, boxing, and unwanted physical contact. Prosecutor Adam Ebell told the jury, “The accused had a propensity to act on that sexual interest when the opportunity presented itself.” Testimony also revealed that Saunders, a former chaplain at Broome prison, repeatedly visited an Aboriginal victim while the man was incarcerated, providing money for phone calls and cigarettes. On August 13, 2026, a jury convicted Saunders of 13 sexual abuse offences, including one count of sexual penetration without consent and 12 counts of unlawful and indecent assault involving young Indigenous men. While he was acquitted of six other charges, including indecently dealing with a child over 16, the verdict follows his 2021 resignation from the church. Following the verdict, the current Bishop of Broome, Tim Norton, issued a pastoral letter apologizing to the victims and acknowledging a “betrayal of trust” that has caused deep wounds across the diocese. Saunders is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21.

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