Archbishop Philip Wilson Sentenced to 12 Months" Detention for Child Abuse Cover-up

By Nancy Notzon
ABC
July 3, 2018

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-03/archbishop-philip-wilson-sentenced-concealing-child-abuse/9883610

Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson has been sentenced to 12 months' detention for concealing child sexual abuse.

Magistrate Robert Stone adjourned the matter to August 14 while Wilson's home detention order is assessed for suitability.

He will be eligible for parole after six months.

In May, the 67-year-old was found guilty of concealing the sexual abuse of children between 2004 and 2006 at the hands of paedophile priest Jim Fletcher in the 1970s.

Wilson is the most senior clergyman in the world to be convicted of concealing child sex abuse.

In sentencing, Mr Stone said "there is no remorse or contrition showed by the offender".

"I am of the opinion the sentence should not be suspended. It does not support the terms of general deterrence.

"On that basis, the only available remaining option is full-time imprisonment or home detention."

Archbishop Wilson's sister's home will be assessed for home detention ahead of a decision next month.

The court can request an assessment for home detention after sentencing an offender to a term of imprisonment of no more than 18 months.

PHOTO: Abuse survivor Peter Gogarty said the sentence was disappointing, but still significant. (ABC News: Nancy Notzon)

'Community devastated by decades of abuse'

Mr Stone said protecting the Catholic Church was the Archbishop's "primary motive".

"There are no other rational explanations for the offender's conduct."

However, Mr Stone said he accepted Archbishop Wilson was unlikely to reoffend.

Wilson is one of the few clerics to have been charged with concealing child abuse and he is believed to be the first Australian clergymen convicted of the offence.

Crown prosecutor Gareth Harrison told Newcastle Local Court during sentencing submissions in June that he could find no other previous cases.

After his conviction in May, Wilson stepped aside from his position as Archbishop, but did not resign.

The Church has not asked for his resignation and it is unclear if he will now step down.

Survivor 'disappointed', but says sentence still significant

Abuse survivor Daniel Feenan was emotional as Mr Stone delivered remarks about Wilson's "good character", shaking his head and blinking away tears.

Throughout the courtroom supporters of abuse survivors also shook their heads in apparent disagreement.

Fellow abuse survivor Peter Gogarty said he was a bit disappointed by the sentence.

"My personal view is that … is probably letting him off a little bit too lightly," he said.

"I'm disappointed that it's not a custodial sentence."

However, Mr Gogarty said it was still significant.

"One way or the other, the Archbishop has been convicted of concealing the abuse of children," Mr Gogarty said.

"We have made history here in Australia.

"The highest ranking church official to ever be brought to account [for] what we know was a worldwide, systematic abuse of children and the concealment of that abuse."

NSW Police Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Little said the survivors "have shown great honour, strength, courage and dignity throughout this whole case".

In a statement, the Apostolic Administrator of the Adelaide Archdiocese, Bishop Greg Kelly, said the church must listen to and support victims.

"We should be very aware of the impact on survivors, their families and all those who love them," he said.

"I have witnessed the anguish and grief of victims.

"The church must continue all efforts to listen and support them."