Former Broome Bishop Christopher Saunders is facing six new criminal charges, including the alleged rape of a boy under the age of 13. Source: ABC News.
Bishop Saunders, 75, was arrested by detectives from the child abuse squad on Sunday and charged with sexual penetration of a child under the age of 13, three counts of indecent dealings with a child under 13, and two counts of common assault.
Police said the alleged offences occurred in 2009 and 2010 in Broome.
The latest arrest takes Bishop Saunders’ charges to a total of 39.
Police first arrested the former Broome bishop in February 2024, charging him with 26 offences.
These included two counts of sexual penetration without consent, three counts of indecent dealings with a child and 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault.
It was alleged at Bishop Saunders’ first court appearance that these charges all related to one complainant, who was aged 16 and 17 years of age at the time of the alleged offending.
He pleaded not guilty to all 19 of these charges in September 2024. He was also charged with seven firearm offences at the time, but is yet to enter a plea.
Bishop Saunders was also charged with two unlawful and indecent assault charges in June 2024, which he pleaded not guilty to.
Officers have subsequently continued their investigation into the 75-year-old, with five new unlawful and indecent assault charges laid in December.
These charges related to the alleged assault of a 24-year-old man in 2016.
Bishop Saunders is yet to enter a plea to the five charges and will appear in Broome Magistrates Court in relation to these, and the latest six charges, on Monday.
He has always maintained his innocence and is likely to stand trial in Broome District Court later this year.
New Broome Bishop Tim Norton said the diocese would continue to offer full transparency and co-operation with WA Police, News.com.au reports.
“Accordingly, no further comment will be made regarding the former bishop of Broome until such time as all legal proceedings are concluded,” Bishop Norton said.
“The protection of children and adults at risk remains our highest priority.
“We encourage anyone who has experienced abuse, or suspects abuse within the community, to come forward and report it to police.”
FULL STORY
Former Bishop of Broome facing new charges including rape of a child under 13 (By Mya Kordic and Gareth McKnight, ABC News)
Ex-Broome bishop Christopher Saunders faces more historical sexual abuse charges (By Emma Kirk, News.com.au)
