AUSTRALIA
Adelaide Now

David Jean

June 18, 2012

THE priest accused of raping Archbishop John Hepworth 40 years ago remains suspended from duties six months after the allegations were raised.

Monsignor Ian Dempsey, the parish priest at Hallett Cove and Brighton has been unable to return to his work because the police investigation remains open.

An Adelaide priest, speaking to The Advertiser on the condition on anonymity, has criticised the Adelaide Archdiocese’s handling of the incident, saying Monsignor Dempsey, Archbishop Hepworth and the Church had all suffered as a result.

Monsignor Dempsey’s suspension comes despite the fact a church investigation cleared him of the allegations in November last year.