Ex-Bishop Jailed for Sex Abuse

Christopher Saunders, a 76-year-old former bishop of Broome, has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison for 13 sex offenses against two young Aboriginal men. The crimes, which included sexual penetration without consent and unlawful assaults, occurred between 2008 and 2019. Saunders will be eligible for parole after serving four years and six months. This conviction could make him the highest-ranking Catholic cleric in Australia to be found guilty of sexual abuse.

Prosecutors stated that Saunders, known as 'Brother B' to his victims, exploited alcohol-fueled parties held at Catholic church properties to gain access to Aboriginal boys and men for sexual assault. He was ordained as the second Broome bishop in 1996 and stepped aside in 2020 when allegations surfaced. His resignation was accepted by Pope Francis a year later.

A church investigation into Saunders' activities was suspended during the police investigation and trial. This probe is set to resume, with its findings expected to inform decisions from Rome regarding his position within the church. Archbishop Timothy Costelloe acknowledged the courage of victims and witnesses throughout the difficult legal process.