Key facts
- Former Australian bishop Christopher Saunders has been jailed for sexually abusing two young Aboriginal men.
- Saunders was found guilty of one charge of rape and 12 counts of indecent assault.
- The 76-year-old was sentenced to six and a half years' imprisonment.
- He will be eligible for release on parole in February 2031.
- The offences occurred between 2010 and 2019.
- Saunders served as the Catholic Bishop of Broome for 25 years.
Christopher Saunders, a former bishop of Broome, Australia, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for the sexual abuse of two young Aboriginal men. The 76-year-old was found guilty by a District Court jury of one charge of rape and 12 counts of indecent assault. He will be eligible for parole in February 2031.
The offences occurred between 2010 and 2019, during Saunders' 25-year tenure as the Catholic Bishop of Broome. The victims were young Aboriginal men from the Kimberley region. The assaults took place in various locations, including the Bishop's residence and a retreat known as the 'beach house'.
During the trial, the court heard about gatherings where Saunders provided alcohol and food to young men, sometimes wearing only boxer shorts, and engaged in wrestling and boxing. The prosecution argued Saunders had a sexual interest in young Aboriginal men and acted on it. The defence suggested memories might have been affected by alcohol and the passage of time.
Four charges involving a younger alleged victim were discontinued at the start of the trial. Saunders made no application for bail and has been remanded in custody. His defence lawyer stated Saunders appeared deeply affected by the verdicts.