Former Broome bishop convicted of sexual abuse against Aboriginal youths

Christopher Alan Saunders, who once led the Diocese of Broome, was found guilty by a District Court jury of one count of sexual penetration and twelve counts of indecent assault against two young Aboriginal men. The jury dismissed six additional charges after a trial lasting more than three weeks. Prosecutors said the assaults took place at the bishop’s church-owned home in Broome and at a beach-house retreat, where Saunders hosted gatherings in which participants wore only boxer shorts and engaged in wrestling and boxing.

Evidence presented included police interview recordings, as Saunders chose not to give evidence. Defence counsel Tony Hager argued the behavior, while inappropriate, did not constitute a crime against the Church itself. The court noted Saunders’ alleged sexual interest in young Aboriginal men. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for a later date.