Priest Denis McAlinden abused children for five decades, inquiry told

AUSTRALIA
The Australian

DAN BOX From: The Australian August 01, 2013

A PEDOPHILE Catholic priest abused dozens of victims over five decades across Australia and overseas, an inquiry has heard.

The final day of the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry has heard a diocese official has since spoken to 28 of those he abused as children between 1949-86 – including in New Zealand and different Australian states.

Even the Commission’s lawyers wept openly as two victim impact statements were read out during today’s hearing, describing how Denis McAlinden infiltrated trusting, Catholic families and abused their children.

His victims were often aged about 10, the inquiry heard, and continue to endure the devastation this abuse caused.

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