Australian court rejects bid to dismiss charges against archbishop for concealing abuse
October 14, 2016
An Australian court has rejected a bid by Archbishop Philip Wilson of Adelaide for dismissal of charges that he covered up evidence of sexual abuse.
Archbishop Wilson is charged with “concealing a serious indictable offense” by withholding evidence about a sexual assault by Father James Fletcher, a priest who was eventually convicted and died in prison in 2006. The archbishop denies concealing evidence in the case, and has now twice sought unsuccessfully to have the charges dismissed.
Archbishop Wilson is the highest-ranking Catholic prelate to face criminal charges for covering up clerical abuse. If convicted, he could face a two-year prison term.
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Further information:
- Australia court says bishop to face charges he hid sex abuse (AP)
- Australian archbishop enters not-guilty plea on charge of covering up abuse (CWN, 5/7/15)
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Posted by: WNS3234 -
Oct. 14, 2016 11:37 PM ET USA
From the Sydney Morning Herald: "He was charged on March 17 with one count of concealing a child sex allegation made against the late Hunter priest Jim Fletcher in the 1970s." I am amazed that an accusation made decades prior to the current statutes and his ordination as a bishop are seen as ligitable. Philadelphia County was delighted when Msgr. Lynn was railroaded into prison. Australian prosecutors must be eager for one-upmanship. Some sins do cry out to heaven for vengence.
