Saskatchewan Priest Sent Back to Scotland to Answer for Decades Old Sexual Abuse Charges

By Alec Salloum
Saskatoon Star-Phoenix
February 14, 2020

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/saskatchewan-priest-sent-back-to-scotland-to-answer-for-decades-old-sexual-abuse-charges/wcm/8862c9bd-ab05-446e-9a5c-6ea86b62ec3a

A Catholic priest who spent decades serving in Saskatchewan has been extradited to Scotland to face a slew of sexual abuse charges.

On Friday the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Regina confirmed that Robert MacKenzie, 87, had been sent back to the United Kingdom. The BBC has reported he made no plea at a private appearance on the charges.

According to previously reported information, MacKenzie faces allegations spanning 30 years — between the 1950s and 1980s — when he served as a Benedictine monk at two boys’ boarding schools.

Eric Gurash, director of communication for the Archdiocese, said they were told on Thursday afternoon that MacKenzie had left the country.

“With issues like this our concerns are largely for any victims in the diocese. When they hear of news like this, it brings up their own particular encounters if they’ve been victims of clergy sexual abuse,” said Gurash. “We extend our thoughts and prayers to those who may be hurting.”