Former Catholic Priest Gerald Ridsdale Faces New Allegations of Child Sex Abuse

By Shannon Deery
Herald Sun
June 19, 2013

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/former-catholic-priest-gerald-ridsdale-faces-new-allegations-of-child-sex-abuse/story-fni0fee2-1226666270474

Gerald Ridsdale leaves the Melbourne Magistrates Court during a previous case.

POLICE will interview one of the country’s most notorious pedophiles over fresh allegations of child sexual abuse.

It is the second time in a month former Victorian Catholic priest Gerald Ridsdale will be quizzed by detectives over new claims.

A police spokesperson confirmed today a magistrate had allowed detectives to conduct the interview.

It comes just three weeks after police were granted access to the 79-year-old behind bars.

It is not known how many alleged victims had made new complaints.

The new allegations come just weeks before Ridsdale would have been eligible for parole.

He was jailed in 1994 for offences against 21 victims - 20 boys and one girl - while a priest at a number of churches between 1961 and 1982.

He was convicted of further charges in 2006 for offences committed against 10 boys from 1970 to 1987.

A police spokeswoman said the new allegations related to historical child sex abuse matters allegedly committed between the 1960s and 1980s.

Contact: Shannon.deery@news.com.au