Australian Bishop Emeritus Christopher Saunders, 76, was sentenced on Wednesday to six years and six months in prison for sexually abusing two young Aboriginal men in Western Australia.
Saunders led the Diocese of Broome from 1996 until 2021. He was convicted in August of 12 counts of indecent assault and one count of sexual penetration. The offences occurred between 2008 and 2019. He was acquitted of six other charges and will be eligible for parole in February 2031.
Saunders stepped aside in 2020 following allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of Church funds. An initial police investigation was closed in 2021 due to insufficient evidence.
During the trial, prosecutors alleged that Saunders used Church funds to provide young Aboriginal men with alcohol, cigarettes, cash and other benefits.
The Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference apologised to the victims following the sentencing, acknowledging the harm caused by the abuse and the betrayal of trust.
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