Australian priest to be sentenced on 29 counts of abuse

February 22, 2010

Father Jim Denham, a priest of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, will be sentenced next month on 29 counts of child sexual abuse. Twenty-seven of the 40 men who allege abuse by the priest are seeking a settlement with the diocese.

“We're waiting for John Denham to be sentenced before we actually get down to the negotiating table,” said Bishop Michael Malone. “That will be a protracted thing, I'm sure, but hopefully we'll be able to handle that with wisdom in trying to reach an amicable solution.

 

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Further information:

• Church looks to settle with alleged abuse victims (ABC Australia)
• Guilty plea from pedophile priest John Denham (Newcastle Herald)