The former Bishop of Broome has pleaded not guilty to a string of criminal charges in Western Australia’s far north, including historic sexual offences. Source: ABC News.
Bishop Christopher Saunders, 74, is facing a total of 28 charges which include three counts of a person in authority indecently dealing with a child and 16 counts of unlawful and indecent assault.
Bishop Saunders is also facing two counts of sexual penetration without consent.
Fronting the Broome Magistrates Court yesterday afternoon for his committal mention, Bishop Saunders said he understood the indecent dealing, unlawful and indecent assault, and sexual penetration without consent charges, and pleaded not guilty to them all.
Police allege some of the sexual offences took place in the Kimberley towns of Broome, Kununurra, and Kalumburu.
The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 2008 and 2016.
Police have also charged him with seven charges of inadequate storage of firearms and being unlicensed to possess a firearm or ammunition, but he did not enter a plea on these matters.
Bishop Saunders’ defence lawyer Seamus Rafferty appeared via audio link from Perth and Magistrate Deen Potter extended Bishop Saunders’ bail.
Bishop Saunders is set to face court again in the Broome District Court on January 28, 2025, for a trial listing hearing.
FULL STORY
Former Catholic Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders pleads not guilty to historical sex charges (By Mya Kordic, ABC News)
