Former Buddhist monk sentenced to over nine years for abusing young girls
Former head monk Naotunne Vijitha was sentenced to a minimum of nine years and four months in prison for sexually abusing girls as young as four at his Melbourne temple, while supporters cheered him.
In a packed Victorian County Court, former head monk Naotunne Vijitha received a minimum sentence of nine years and four months for sexually abusing six girls, aged four to 12, at the Dhamma Sarana Buddhist temple in Melbourne’s southeast between 1994 and 2002. Judge Pardeep Tiwana, noting the monk’s betrayal of trust, set a head term of 13 years and two months after a jury found him guilty on 17 of 19 counts of sexual penetration and indecent acts.
Victims delivered powerful statements about lifelong damage to their relationships, careers and trust, while some supporters bowed and waved to Vijitha as he was escorted out. Vijitha, who arrived from Sweden in 1994, lured children with sweets and toys and remains unapologetic. He has already served 343 days in pre-sentence detention and will be deported after completing his term. Helplines for abuse survivors were listed for callers.
Why it matters
The case underscores the severe abuse of authority in religious settings and the legal repercussions for perpetrators.
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