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	N.L. Lawyer for Abuse Victims Calls on Catholic Church to Compensate Canadian Press February 10, 2009 http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5in02lUikESYnC2WRuM-lQDG0jx5Q ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A Newfoundland lawyer hopes the Roman Catholic Church in St. John's is willing to compensate after it was found liable for the sexual abuse of eight former altar boys. The Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corp. of St. John's was liable for the crimes of the late Rev. Jim Hickey. Gregory Stack, a lawyer for the victims, said Tuesday the ruling was a small victory. But he also said they're frustrated because the church has fought them vigorously in their 10-year court battle to win compensation. "I mean, Jim Hickey was convicted of these very crimes," Stack said. "Why would they fight it instead of embracing these people that were their staunchest followers and believers?" Hickey was sentenced to five years in prison in 1988 after he was convicted of 20 sex-related offences. Stack said he would prefer if an agreement on compensation can be reached without having to return to court. "The victims are certainly hoping for that," he said. "They're entirely fed up with this process."
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