BishopAccountability.org

Royal Commission into child abuse told Tasmanian pedophile priest’s risk to children ‘not discussed’

By Patrick Billings
Mercury
February 1, 2016

http://tinyurl.com/hdjggkg

Ronald Stone gives evidence to the Royal Commision via video link.

TASMANIA’S most senior Anglican clergy did not discuss how to reduce the risk posed to children by a pedophile priest after he was forced to resign, as they believed police prosecution was imminent.

But Burnie archdeacon Louis Daniels was not prosecuted until five years later, during which time he held teaching positions in the Australian Capital Territory.

Former assistant bishop of Tasmania Ronald Stone gave evidence today in Hobart at a Royal Commission into child abuse.

Mr Stone and then Tasmanian bishop Phillip Newell forced Daniels to resign in 1994 after child abuse allegations resurfaced.

Commissioner Justice Jennifer Coate today asked Mr Stone what discussions were held between him and bishop Newell about reducing the risk if Daniels took up a job where he had “access to children” after his departure.

“No that discussion did not happen,” Mr Stone said.

However, he said he believed police prosecution of Daniels was imminent.

The commission heard that after Daniels’ resignation, a letter from Bishop Newell to clergy explained it was for “personal reasons”.

Mr Stone said that decision was made by lawyers for the church and Daniels.

He conceded the church’s lawyers may have been trying to protect the diocese but denied it was to give no warning to the public about the predator.

He said police charges had also not been laid at that stage.

Daniels was subsequently jailed for molesting 11 boys.

The commission is investigating child abuse within the Anglican Church and affiliated youth movement The Church of England Boys Society.

The public hearings are scheduled to go until Friday.




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