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Church Names 29 Molesters

The Australian
May 31, 2013

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/in-depth/church-names-29-molesters/story-fngburq5-1226654134089

THE Catholic Church has released the names of 29 Melbourne priests it acknowledges were guilty of sexually abusing children.

The ABC reported last night that of the 59 priests whose victims had been paid compensation, the church had named 29, including repeat offenders Desmond Gannon and Michael Glennon. It would not name the other half, some of whom it said had died before the allegations were made and had not had a chance to defend themselves.

Victorian police, meanwhile, are interviewing one of Australia's worst pedophile priests over new abuse allegations.

Gerald Ridsdale is eligible for parole from late next month after serving a long prison sentence for abusing 30 boys between 1961 and 1987.

Police interviewed the 79-year-old yesterday afternoon over historical child sex abuse matters allegedly committed in the 60s and 70s, when he was working as a Catholic priest.

No further charges had been laid, police said.

Clergy abuse support group Broken Rites said more people had come forward with allegations against Ridsdale.

"We keep getting calls from victims," Broken Rites researcher Bernard Barrett said.

Ridsdale was jailed in 1994 for offences against 21 victims between 1961 and 1982, and convicted in 2006 for other offences committed from 1970 to 1987.

The Adult Parole Board will hear submissions from his victims before deciding whether he is suitable for early release.

Victim Stephen Woods will write to the board to urge it to uphold Ridsdale's full sentence, which lasts until 2019. "Because he hasn't come forward and been open and candid about the crimes he has committed and how the church has covered up and who covered up for him, he should serve the full time," Mr Woods said.

 

 

 

 

 




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