Gerald Ridsdale, former Catholic priest, charged with dozens of sexual abuse offences

By James Hancock
ABC News
January 9, 2017

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-09/gerald-ridsdale-charged-with-dozens-of-sexual-abuse-offences/8170976

The alleged charges against Ridsdale span three decades.

Former Catholic priest Gerald Ridsdale has been charged with a string of historical sexual abuse charges, including rape, buggery, indecent assault and assault.

The 82-year-old has been charged with at least 36 offences.

Police allege the offences occurred at several places in western Victoria from the 1960s to the 1980s.

The charges were laid by the SANO Taskforce, which was set up to investigate historical and new allegations of child sex abuse involving religious and non-government organisations.

Ridsdale is scheduled to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court next Friday for a mention hearing.