Former Australian bishop jailed for sexually abusing young men
Former Australian Bishop Christopher Saunders has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for sexually abusing two young Aboriginal men. The conviction follows a trial that revealed a systematic pattern of grooming and abuse using church resources.
Why it matters
This case represents a significant legal accountability milestone for high-ranking Catholic officials regarding historical sex abuse allegations.
Image source, ABC News/David Weber Image caption, Christopher Saunders has been jailed for sexual offences against two young men
Former Australian bishop Christopher Saunders has been jailed for sexually abusing two young Aboriginal men during his time as a Catholic cleric.
Saunders - who resigned as Bishop of Broome when first accused of wrongdoing in 2020 - was found guilty of one charge of rape and 12 counts of indecent assault in August.
The 76-year-old was on Wednesday sentenced to six and a half years in prison, but will be eligible for release on parole in February 2031.
He is one of the most senior Catholic leaders in the world to face sex abuse charges.
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