AUSTRALIA
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“He has given his life to the Catholic Church”: Commissioner Cunneen., concerning William Burston (pictured above), second-in-charge of the Newcastle-Maitland diocese under former Bishops Clarke and Malone. Ms. Cunneen claimed that Burston had been “subjected to rudeness” by some members of the public. She said she would consider laying charges against them, if they can be identified. She further issued a warning about “people pre-judging events”.
[A search of transcripts does not reveal the good Commissioner referring to whistleblower Detective Chief Inspector Fox as having “given his life to the NSW police department”, or cautioning people who were less than courteous to him.]
Burston said, at least 60 times, that he could not remember events, which prompted Counsel Assisting, Mr. David Kell, to suggest that he was being “highly selective” and that it was “inconceivable” he could not recall details of things involving obviously inappropriate behaviour. The list of things Burston could not recall is too long to detail here (some are given in the references below).
This response to questioning had caused the public gallery to (according to media reports) respond with “audible groans”, and “gasps of shock and disgust”. [Ms. Cunneen’s stern warning came at the end of proceedings.]
Fr. Burston attributed his poor memory to the effects of several operations’ anesthetics over the past ten years, although he had not consulted a doctor regarding it and ,so, had no medical opinion to back his claims. When Counsel Assisting remarked to Fr. Burston that his memory was precise on some aspects and not on others, the priest agreed, but said he was not trying to hinder the enquiry.
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