Former Australian bishop jailed for sexually abusing young men
The former Bishop of Broome is one of the most senior Catholic clerics in the world to face charges of this nature.
Former Australian bishop Christopher Saunders has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for sexually abusing two young Aboriginal men while serving as a Catholic cleric. Saunders, now 76 years old, was found guilty of one charge of rape and twelve counts of indecent assault. The trial in Western Australia revealed that Saunders systematically groomed the victims, inviting them to alcohol-filled gatherings and using church funds and properties.
He forced oral sex on one of the men and kissed and molested the other. One of the victims described the ordeal in court, stating, "I was a toy that he was using. My head is pounding now, I'm in so much pain." Saunders, who resigned in 2020 following initial accusations, will be eligible for parole in February 2031.
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