Former Catholic bishop found guilty of sexually abusing Aboriginal men

A West Australian District Court jury found former Broome bishop Christopher Alan Saunders guilty of 13 sex offences on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The 76-year-old cleric, who served as the Catholic Bishop of Broome for 25 years, faced a marathon three-week trial involving accusations from three complainants, dating back as far as 2008.

The jury deliberated for nearly seven hours before returning verdicts of guilty on one count of sexual penetration without consent and 12 counts of indecent assault. Saunders was acquitted of six other charges, while several additional counts were discontinued earlier in the proceedings.

The Kimberley Parties and Church Properties

Prosecutors established that Saunders exploited his authority in the remote diocese—an area three times larger than England—by hosting gatherings at church-owned properties, including his residence in Broome and a coastal retreat known as the beach house. Witnesses described “shirts off” gatherings where the bishop supplied alcohol and food to young Aboriginal men wearing only boxer shorts.

The court heard that Saunders engaged in boxing and wrestling with the young men. The main complainant testified that he was 16 years old when the bishop initiated regular visits characterized by the provision of alcohol, followed by kissing, naked wrestling, touching of private areas, and penetrative sex.

“The accused had a sexual interest in young Aboriginal men and a tendency to act on that interest when the opportunity presented itself.”

Adam Ebell, Prosecutor, via The Guardian and ABC News

Prosecutor Adam Ebell argued that Saunders leveraged the power imbalance between himself and the younger men in the Kimberley, where Indigenous residents make up more than 40 per cent of the population. Saunders chose not to give evidence in his defense, leaving recorded police interviews as the sole vehicle for his denials.

Defense Arguments and Trial Disclosures

Defense lawyer Tony Hager conceded during closing statements that his client’s behavior might have been unconventional and “sleazy,” but argued that unorthodox personal conduct did not equate to criminal sexual acts. Hager maintained that Saunders was not on trial for hosting drinking sessions at his residence, misusing church funds, or failing to adhere to ecclesiastical codes of conduct.

The defense repeatedly challenged the credibility and memories of the complainants, pointing to their long criminal histories and substance abuse. Hager suggested that the accusers had motivations to fabricate claims, including the pursuit of early parole.

Legal proceedings also involved significant structural changes mid-trial. On the opening day, without the jury present, prosecutors told the court four charges would be discontinued. Judge Martin Flynn subsequently instructed the jury to discard another seven charges midway through the proceedings due to insufficient evidence.

Resignation, Church Impact, and Upcoming Sentencing

Saunders was ordained as the second Broome bishop in 1996, overseeing 13 schools and nine parishes before stepping aside in 2020 as public allegations emerged. Pope Francis accepted his resignation a year later. Unless acquitted on appeal, Saunders would be the highest-ranking Catholic in Australia convicted of sexual abuse while a member of the clergy. The late cardinal George Pell was found guilty in 2018 but later acquitted by the high court.

Current Bishop of Broome Tim Norton issued a statement acknowledging the endurance of the survivors. We are sorry that it has taken so long for their voices to be heard and for their pain to be acknowledged, Norton stated.

Detective Andrew Broadley of Western Australia Police praised the individuals who participated in the legal process. I just want to take a moment to acknowledge the complainants and the many witnesses in this case who showed tremendous courage in coming forward, Broadley said outside the court.

Following the verdicts, defense lawyer David Manera noted that Saunders appeared deeply affected by the outcome. Saunders was remanded in custody without making a bail application and is scheduled to appear for a sentencing hearing on September 21.