Former Broome bishop sentenced to six years and six months

Former Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders was sentenced to six years and six months in prison after a jury convicted him of 13 sex offences involving two young Aboriginal men, a District Court in Perth heard on Wednesday, October 7. The convictions comprised one count of sexual penetration and 12 counts of indecent or unlawful assault. The offences occurred while Saunders was leading the Kimberley diocese, according to the reports. He denied the allegations during the trial and retains the right to appeal. The reports differ on when Saunders may be eligible for parole. One states February 2031, while the other says he becomes eligible after serving four years and six months, with the sentence backdated to August 12, when he was convicted and taken into custody. The precise parole timing is not clear from the available accounts. The court heard evidence about gatherings at Church properties and sexual conduct that formed part of the prosecution case. The reported offences included unwanted touching and kissing. Saunders faced allegations involving a third complainant but was acquitted of the charges relating to that person; the convictions concerned two men.