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Bishop Used Boozy Parties to Groom Youths, Court Told
Prosecutors say Saunders used alcohol, gifts and church properties to groom young Aboriginal men in a case involving 26 charges.
- Former Bishop Christopher Alan Saunders, 76, appeared in Western Australia's District Court last Wednesday for the first day of his trial on 26 sexual abuse charges against three young Aboriginal men.
- Prosecutors allege Saunders hosted "alcohol fuelled" parties at Catholic Church-owned properties, using boxing and wrestling as a "subterfuge" for physical contact with young Aboriginal men.
- One victim, introduced to the bishop at 16, felt he "could not say no" due to a "power dynamic" between them; Saunders allegedly persisted despite the young man's attempts to stop him until he turned 19.
- Saunders has pleaded not guilty to all charges and maintains his innocence, with the trial set for three weeks and featuring testimony from the Bishop of Geraldton.
- The charges position the former bishop among Australia's most senior Catholic clerics prosecuted for sexual abuse, second only to the late Cardinal George Pell, who was ultimately acquitted by the High Court of Australia.
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13 Articles
13 Articles
National Catholic Register+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
Trial Opens for Australian Bishop Accused of Abusing Young Aboriginal Men
Prosecutors allege the former bishop of Broome hosted alcohol-fueled parties for young aboriginal men at Church-owned properties. Bishop Saunders has pleaded...
·Irondale, United States
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Former Catholic bishop sexually abused boys at 'shirts-off' parties, court hears
One of Australia's longest serving senior Catholic clerics had a sexual interest in young Aboriginal men and abused them in Western Australia's far north over several years, a Perth court hears.
·Ultimo, Australia
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Sydney Morning Herald+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Outback priest allegedly smuggled alcohol on church-owned plane, abused Aboriginal boys
Christopher Alan Saunders was one of Australia’s most senior Catholic clerics when he was charged with sex abuse against a young Aboriginal boy dating back to 2008.
·North Sydney, Australia
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution45% Right
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Right
45% Right
L 33%
C 22%
R 45%
Factuality
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