Judge tells jurors to ignore seven sexual assault counts in ex-Bishop of Broome case
In the trial of former Bishop Christopher Alan Saunders, the presiding judge instructed the jury that verdicts are not required on seven of the sexual assault charges.
The court hearing involving former Catholic Bishop of Broome, Christopher Alan Saunders, has seen the judge direct jurors to disregard seven alleged sexual assaults. Saunders, 76, still faces 19 accusations involving three young men from his time as bishop. He has opted not to testify, and the case will move to closing arguments on Monday.
Why it matters
The ruling narrows the scope of a high-profile sexual-assault trial involving a former religious leader.
In this story
former bishopsexual assault chargesjury instructiontrialclosing argumentsBroomeCatholic Church