Australian retired bishop charged with child sex abuse

22/2/2024 13:10

        A retired Roman Catholic bishop appeared in court in remote Western Australia on Thursday on charges of sexual offences against children, including two counts of rape.
        
        A court spokesperson said, the charges against Christopher Saunders were presented on Thursday morning in Broome Magistrates Court, who declined to say whether Saunders had entered a plea.
        
        Western Australia police said Child Abuse Squad detectives charged a 74-year-old Broome man, whom it did not name, with 19 offences, including two of sexual penetration without consent, 14 of unlawful and indecent assault and three of a person in authority indecently dealing with a child.
        
        Footage from TV network Seven showed Saunders being led away by police after his arrest on Wednesday. Police said the man was refused bail.
        
        Saunders, emeritus bishop of Broome, has previously denied wrongdoing.