AUSTRALIA
ABC News
A Melbourne priest accused of sexual abuse has apologised to his parish for “any hurt or disappointment” his behaviour caused following revelations a church investigation found his conduct inconsistent with his duties.
The ABC has revealed that in 2012 the Catholic Church paid $75,000 compensation to John Roach, who claimed he was sexually abused by Father John Walshe in 1982.
Father Walshe, who now works at St Patrick’s at Mentone-Parkdale, denied he abused Mr Roach, but had engaged in “consensual conduct” with another adult.
“My conduct was contrary to my religious beliefs. However it by no means constituted any form of abuse,” he said in a statement.
Mr Roach, who said the abuse took place while he was an 18-year-old seminarian, made a formal complaint to the Melbourne Response in 2002, which was later upheld following an investigation by Peter O’Callaghan QC.
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