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	Marist Priest Gets Just One Year Ferguson Sentence Shock - Ferguson Sentence Shock By Chris Pippos The Advocate [Australia] May 16, 2007 http://nwtasmania.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=general&story_id =585018&category=general A Former Marist priest found guilty of sexually assaulting two boys at Burnie's Marist College in 1971 has been sentenced to two years jail but he may serve only 12 months. Gregory Laurence Ferguson, 70, who was charged with maintaining a sexual relationship with a person under 17 and indecent assault, is in poor health and will be eligible for parole after serving 12 months. Both of Ferguson's victims, aged 13 at the time, have suffered long term to some degree from the assaults, which occurred in Ferguson's room in the priests' quarters. In sentencing yesterday, Supreme Court Justice Ewan Crawford said Ferguson's crimes were "relatively serious" because of the age of the boys and the abuse of trust. However, Justice Crawford said Ferguson had no other criminal record and was in poor health, adding that "life in prison may well be hard for him". Justice Crawford rejected a submission from Ferguson's defence counsel that there may be retribution against him in prison. Beyond Abuse spokesman Steve Fisher, after the sentencing, said he was very disappointed with the decision. "Twelve months, when he would have had such a profound effect on these guys' lives, 12 months (non-parole) seems very, very light indeed," Mr Fisher said. "I believe the judges just have to start getting harder on the sentences to set a precedent so cases that come after have something to go on." Mr Fisher also said he was concerned the Catholic Church would continue to bankroll the defence of priests accused of child sex offences. After the assaults in 1971, Ferguson became a priest in various parishes, mainly in New South Wales, where he has lived for many years. A Launceston Supreme Court jury returned the guilty verdicts against Ferguson recently after several hours of deliberation. Ferguson had denied all allegations against him. The week-long trial heard from the two complainants and almost 20 other former Marist students and priests.
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