(AUSTRALIA)
Seven Network - 7news [Eveleigh, NSW Australia]
September 21, 2026
By Chris Reason
The 76-year-old, who was once Australia’s most senior Catholic, has returned to court for sentencing.
Former Bishop of Broome faces sentencing for sex crimes
Extraordinary new video of the former Bishop of Broome grooming a young Aboriginal man has been released by a Perth court.
Christopher Saunders, 76, was secretly recorded, with the vision made public as he waits to learn his fate.
In August, a jury found Saunders guilty of one count of sexual penetration without consent and 12 counts of unlawful and indecent assault following a trial in the District Court of Western Australia.
After more than five weeks in a maximum security prison, he was back in court for a sentencing hearing on Monday.
In the tapes, a half-naked Saunders drinks with a young man, touching his feet and between his legs.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Court releases covert footage of disgraced ex-bishop of Broome
The newly-released recordings show not the offences which Saunders was convicted of but rather what the state says is evidence of his grooming behaviour.
The vision was critical evidence in Saunders’ conviction.
Extraordinary new video of the former Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders grooming a young male has been released by a court. Credit: WA Courts
Prosecutor Adam Ebell said Saunders had abused his power, with the two victims 40 years his junior.
Saunders’ lawyer argued against a “crushing sentence”, saying the bishop had already suffered “a loss of standing in community” and “a fall from grace”.
He also claimed the bishop had been providing “pastoral care”, but the judge hit back at that.
Saunders’ conviction came after a four-year 7NEWS investigation.
When police hauled the bishop in for questioning, they sent officers into his empty home to install covert cameras.
The bishop’s behaviour on the newly released tapes was captured during a time Saunders knew he was under investigation.
The man who was once Australia’s most senior Catholic has spent the past five weeks in a maximum security prison.
He will be sentenced on October 7.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
Support is also available from the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028, or 13YARN 13 92 76, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
In an emergency, call 000.