By AARON BUNCH
The former Catholic Bishop of Broome, Christopher Saunders, appeared in Broome Magistrates Couert on Thursday, charged over historical child sex abuse allegations.
Saunders, 74, was charged with 19 offences after WA Police arrested him at his home in Broome on Wednesday.
The alleged offences occurred in Broome, Kununurra and the Aboriginal community of Kalumburu between 2008 and 2014.
The former cleric has also been charged with 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault between 2010 and 2014.
Child abuse squad detectives travelled to Broome and searched the former bishop’s home on two occasions in recent months.
The Catholic Church previously investigated allegations of sexual assault and grooming against Saunders but did not initially share its findings with WA police.
WA Premier Roger Cook in September said it was a “blight” on the Church that the incidents had not been reported earlier after news of the 200-page Vatican Vos Estis Lux Mundi investigation broke.
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said Saunders had been charged with very serious historical sexual offences.
He thanked the alleged victims for co-operating with the investigation, saying they were “very brave and courageous”.
“I (also) want to thank the investigators, who have done a wonderful job and the community of Broome who have also stood up and helped,” he said.
Saunders resigned from his role in Broome in 2020 after sexual misconduct and bullying claims emerged. He has denied the allegations.
He was released on bail on Thursday and ordered to reside at his home until his next hearing in June.
- Main image: Seven News
