The former Broome Bishop Christopher Saunders has faced court on two new charges of historical sexual offences in the Kimberley. Source: ABC News.
The 74-year-old is facing 28 charges in total, including two counts of sexual penetration without consent, three counts of indecent dealing with a child and 16 counts of unlawful and indecent assault.
In April, police charged the former Bishop Saunders with two new counts of unlawful and indecent assault, which are alleged to have occurred in 2016.
The other historical charges are alleged to have taken place in different towns in the Kimberley between 2008 and 2014.
Magistrate Deen Potter read the two new charges to the former bishop, and he replied he understood each.
He also faces six charges of inadequate storage of firearms and being unlicensed to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Police Prosecutor Kristy Miles requested the former bishop’s bail be varied, so more individuals could be added to the protective conditions.
She told the court there were “more than 200 people” on the police witness list, with many residing in Broome.
Defence lawyer Seamus Rafferty indicated his client would plead not guilty to all charges in a previous court hearing.
Mr Rafferty appeared via audio link on Monday and raised concern over the prosecution’s application of varying his client’s bail.
Magistrate Potter said there may be potential for an “inadvertent breach”, and that he wanted to find out more about the witnesses before changing any aspects of the former bishop’s bail.
He is due to appear in court for the bail variation application on July 8, with his bail extended on the same terms. All of his charges were listed for a committal mention date in September.
FULL STORY
Former Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders fronts court on two new indecent assault charges (By Mya Kordic and Esse Deves, ABC News)
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Broome Bishop Christopher Saunders: Police say ‘more than 200 witnesses’ to alleged sex offending (The West Australian)
