Former bishop sentenced to more than six years in prison for sexually abusing young Aboriginal men
Former Broome bishop Christopher Alan Saunders has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison for sexually abusing two young Aboriginal men. He is the highest-ranking Catholic official in Australia to be convicted of such crimes.
Why it matters
The sentencing marks a significant legal development in the ongoing reckoning regarding historical sexual abuse within the Australian Catholic Church.
Christopher Alan Saunders will be eligible for parole after four years and six months. Photograph: Aaron Bunch/AAP Christopher Alan Saunders will be eligible for parole after four years and six months. Photograph: Aaron Bunch/AAP Western Australia Former bishop sentenced to more than six years in prison for sexually abusing young Aboriginal men Christopher Alan Saunders becomes highest-ranked Catholic in Australia convicted of sexual abuse over his time as member of clergy
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Prefer the Guardian on Google A former high-ranking Catholic known for hosting boozy parties will spend at least four and a half years behind bars for sexually abusing two young Aboriginal men.
The ex-bishop of Broome Christopher Alan Saunders, 76, was found guilty of 13 sex offences after a jury trial in the West Australian district court.
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