Bivši škof je zlorabljal mlade moške na vrhuncu svoje moči.

A former Catholic bishop in Western Australia has been found guilty of sexually abusing young men during his tenure as one of the region's most influential religious figures. Christopher Alan Saunders, 76, was convicted of one count of sexual penetration and 12 counts of indecent assault after a three-week trial in the District Court. The convictions relate to alleged abuses committed against two Aboriginal men in the Kimberley region, which spans an area roughly three times the size of England. The jury deliberated for nearly seven hours before delivering its verdict, though Saunders was acquitted of six additional charges. He showed no visible reaction after the findings were announced. Saunders served as the Bishop of Broome for 25 years, overseeing one of the largest dioceses in Australia. During this period, he became a prominent figure within the Catholic Church, even meeting Pope Francis in 2019. His role placed him in a position of considerable influence, particularly among Indigenous communities in the Kimberley, where more than 40 percent of the population is Aboriginal. The alleged abuses reportedly occurred at multiple locations, including the Bishop's residence in Broome and a retreat known as the beach house. These sites were frequented by young men, many of whom were vulnerable due to their age and circumstances. Court proceedings included testimonies describing gatherings where Saunders allegedly supplied alcohol and food to young men dressed in minimal clothing. These sessions often involved physical contact such as wrestling and boxing, according to the prosecution. In one instance, Saunders was said to have touched a victim's private areas with his feet and performed oral sex without consent. The defense did not contest these allegations directly, instead focusing on the context of Saunders' behavior and the potential impact of alcohol on the victims' recollections. During the trial, prosecutors emphasized the trust that the victims placed in Saunders, referring to him as "Brother B." They argued that despite the victims' criminal records, the jury should prioritize their accounts of the abuse. Defense attorney Tony Hager characterized Saunders' actions as "boozy" and "sleazy," but maintained that the case was not about whether he invited young men to socialize or used church funds to purchase alcohol. Hager suggested that the memories of the complainants might have been influenced by alcohol consumption, particularly considering the time elapsed since the alleged incidents. Before the trial began, the prosecution disclosed that four charges involving a younger alleged victim would be dropped. These included three counts of indecent dealing with a child under 13 and one count of sexual penetration of a child under 13. The decision to discontinue these charges came without the presence of the jury. Saunders will appear in court again on September 21 for a sentencing hearing, having waived his right to apply for bail and been remanded in custody. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of abuse within religious institutions, particularly concerning vulnerable populations. While the defense highlighted the complexity of the situation, the prosecution urged the jury to focus on the victims' experiences. As the legal process continues, the outcome will determine the next steps for Saunders and potentially influence future cases involving similar allegations.