Ex-Priest faces victims in court

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The Advertiser

February 19, 2018

By Meagan Dillon

A judge urged a former South Australian priest who used his power, influence and authority to sexually abuse teenage boys more than three decades ago to address his apology to his victims.

Charles Alfred Barnett, 72, appeared in the District Court on Monday ahead of sentencing next month after admitting the persistent sexual exploitation of one boy, and indecent assault of two others.

His three victims all read emotional victim impact statements to the court, expressing how the historic crimes had affected their lives.

Barnett apologised, saying: “Your Honour, I’m deeply aware of the seriousness of my offending”, before Judge Jack Costello interrupted him.

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