May 26, 2005

Victims of sex abuse get compensation deal

CANADA
Canoe

CORNER BROOK, Nfld. (CP) - Sexual abuse victims of a Newfoundland priest have accepted $13 million in compensation from the Roman Catholic diocese where he worked.

Individual compensation for the 36 people ranges from a low of $75,000 dollars to a high of $1 million. Greg Stack, a lawyer for most of the abuse victims, said they had the choice of either accepting the offer or letting the diocese of St. George's go into bankruptcy.

Bishop Douglas Crosby said he's grateful the victims have seen fit to vote in favour of the offer.

Diocese officials said they will need to sell some of their assets to pay for the compensation deal.

They have appealed to parishioners, and are accepting contributions from other dioceses.

Rev. Kevin Bennett admitted his guilt and was convicted in 1990 of sexually abusing 36 boys over a period of nearly 20 years while he worked in the diocese.

Posted by kshaw at May 26, 2005 03:43 PM