Catholic News [Australia]
January 22, 2007
http://www.cathnews.com/news/701/125.php
A former Christian brother yesterday pleaded guilty to five counts of abuse involving three boys at a Perth Catholic college more than 20 years ago, while denying charges involving a fourth boy.
ABC News reports that 56-year-old Graeme James Down admitted five charges of unlawfully and indecently touching three boys aged about 11 and 12, when he was a Christian brother teacher in the 1980s.
While Down admitted those offences, he pleaded not guilty to a further seven charges, which allege more serious offences against a fourth boy, and went on trial today.
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The District Court was told that the boy, who is now aged 35, was abused when Down made him stay back after class for disciplinary reasons.
Defence lawyer Rob Nash said while Down admitted abusing the first three boys he vehemently denied the allegations being made by the fourth boy, which Mr Nash described as being significantly and fundamentally different in nature.
The trial is expected to run for another three days, ABC News says.
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