Accused Attacker Accuses Priest

By Damian Trujillo
NBC Bay Area
June 20, 2012

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Accused-Attacker-Accuses-Priest-159740805.html

[with video]

A man accused of beating a retired priest is in court today answering to charges of elderly abuse and felony assault. The defendant maintains the attack was justified, because the priest allegedly abused him and his brother on a camping trip decades earlier.

William Lynch, 44, attacked Father Jerold Lindner in Los Gatos in 2010, according to prosecutors. Lynch claims the attack stems from a molestation during a camping trip years earlier. Lindner denies those allegations.

Lynch's defense attorney says that it is well documented that Lindner is one of the worst sex offenders in the Catholic church.

Lynch is expected to take the stand, his attorney says, because his story has not been heard.

No cameras are allowed in the courtroom, so please check back here for updates.

If Lynch is convicted, he could receive up to four years in prison.