According to allegations presented by the prosecution during a 17-day trial, Saunders, 76, regularly visited Aboriginal communities. He befriended teenage boys, inviting them to a coastal retreat where he provided food, cigarettes, alcohol, and other gifts. He sought to build trust before committing abuse.
The abuse occurred between 2010 and 2019. A jury found Saunders guilty of one count of rape and 12 counts of sexual assault. On 7/10, he was sentenced to six years and six months in prison.
Initial allegations of sexual abuse against Saunders surfaced in 2018, but no prosecution was initiated at that time. In 2020, after media outlets continued to raise questions about sexual and financial misconduct allegations, Pope Francis ordered a Vatican investigation. This was reportedly the first such investigation in Australia.
Saunders stepped down from his duties during the Vatican investigation and resigned as bishop in 2021, though he retained his title. Police reopened the case in 2023 and arrested him one year later.
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Bishop Christopher Saunders. Photo: CNN |
Two victims testified in court about their abuse
Saunders did not appear at the trial. Two male victims directly testified, recounting how they had trusted the bishop before experiencing abuse.
One victim stated he had visited Saunders' private home with other teenagers. The bishop claimed a close friendship with the victim's deceased father, frequently inquiring about the young men, providing food and drinks, and showing interest in their lives.
"He not only provided food and alcoholic beverages, but he also talked and cared about my life," the victim recounted. This perceived care led him to trust Saunders.
According to testimony, the bishop also instructed the victim to keep the abuse secret.
Another victim testified that Saunders offered him AUD 150 to work at his house. On the way to the coastal retreat, Saunders stopped to buy alcohol and food before later committing abuse.
After 17 days of trial, the jury found Saunders guilty of one count of rape and 12 counts of sexual assault. With a sentence of six years and six months in prison, he became one of the highest-ranking Catholic clerics in Australia to be jailed for sexual abuse.
'Very difficult to bring down such a powerful man'
Tim Murray, a Vatican private investigator, assessed that the two victims coming forward was crucial to the case.
"I truly think this is a good day because it is very difficult to bring down such a powerful man," he said after the verdict, expressing hope that the victims could begin their recovery process.
Western Australia Police acknowledged the perseverance of the victims and witnesses, stating their testimony played a crucial role in bringing Saunders to justice. Authorities urged other potential victims to contact the police.
What did the Church say?
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference, stated that the sentence reflected the seriousness of the crimes. He expressed respect for those who came forward.
"We deeply regret the pain and suffering you have endured," he said. He also committed to continuing efforts to strengthen transparency and protective measures for vulnerable people within the Church.
Hai Thu (According to NewsAu)
