Former Australian Bishop Christopher Saunders Jailed for Abuse
Christopher Saunders, formerly the Bishop of Broome, has been sentenced to six and a half years for sexually abusing two young Aboriginal men.
Former Australian bishop Christopher Saunders has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for the sexual abuse of two young Aboriginal men. The 76-year-old was found guilty of one charge of rape and 12 counts of indecent assault.
Saunders, who resigned as Bishop of Broome in 2020 following the initial accusations, will be eligible for parole in February 2031. His trial took place in Western Australia.
During the proceedings, the court heard that Saunders systematically groomed the victims, providing them with alcohol and engaging in sexual acts. In one instance, he forced oral sex on one of the men. The abuse occurred during gatherings where alcohol was present, sometimes facilitated with church funds and on church properties.
One victim shared a statement with the court detailing the profound impact of the abuse. "I was a toy that he was using," the victim stated, describing the ongoing pain and trauma. Saunders is one of the most senior Catholic clerics globally to face charges of this nature.