Jury in former Broome bishop sex trial warned not to be swayed by Catholic church prejudice
The sex abuse trial of former Broome bishop Christopher Saunders has commenced in Australia, with the defense urging the jury to remain impartial regarding the Catholic Church. Saunders faces 26 charges of sexual offenses, all of which he denies through his legal counsel.
Why it matters
The trial is a high-profile case involving institutional accountability and the legal challenges of ensuring a fair trial for figures associated with controversial religious organizations.
Christopher Saunders is on trial in the District Court accused of offending against three males. ( ABC News: David Weber )
The lawyer for former Catholic bishop Christopher Alan Saunders, told the second day of his sex abuse trial that he denied the charges against him.
In his opening address to the court, Tony Hager warned the jury not to be affected by possible prejudice against the Catholic church and said witnesses may have motivation to lie or exaggerate.
The trial is set down for three weeks, during which many witnesses are expected to give evidence.
Link copied Share Share article The lawyer for a former Catholic bishop who allegedly sexually abused three young men has told his trial the incidents did not happen, and warned the jury not to be affected by possible prejudice against the church.
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