BishopAccountability.org

Maronite priest jailed over sex assault

By Andi Yu
7 News
October 4, 2016

https://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/a/32799865/maronite-priest-sentenced-to-year-in-jail/#page1

A victim of sexual assault fist-pumped his supporters in a Sydney court as the Maronite priest convicted of abusing him was led away into custody.

The 40-year-old clergyman had pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting the victim in 2005 but was found guilty by a jury earlier this year.

On Tuesday at the Campbelltown District Court the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was sentenced to a minimum jail term of 12 months.

But, no sooner had judge Penelope Wass delivered the sentence, the priest's defence Greg James QC told the court that papers had been lodged to appeal against the conviction.

Mr James then submitted an application for bail, arguing his client ought not be in jail as he waits for an appeal.

Judge Wass rejected the application and the priest was led away.

During her judgement, the judge said that resisting the priest's advances was too difficult for the vulnerable victim.

She quoted the victim who had told the court: "It was like saying no to God".

She said the offender had shown no remorse or insight into his actions.

He had continued to deny any wrongdoing, despite a jury finding beyond reasonable doubt that he was guilty, she said.

The court heard that back in 2005, the priest was a deacon at the tight-knit Sydney church and a close friend of the then 15-year-old victim's family.

After a church celebration one night, the victim's mother asked the then 29-year-old to give her son a lift home.

On the way, between 4 and 5am, the victim, aged 15, was sleeping in the passenger seat of the priest's car.

He awoke to find the priest rubbing his genitals.

Judge Wass said the priest's actions were "opportunistic" and showed "absolute disregard" for the young boy entrusted to his care.

"He did so having taken parental responsibility for him," she said.

The priest had a larger group supporters than the victim on Tuesday, many of whom, the court heard, believe in his innocence and gave character references describing him as "gentle", "honest" and "kind".

Outside the court, the victim told AAP he was relieved the priest was going to jail.

The appeal is expected to be heard next year.




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