Priest Breaks down in Criminal Court, WPBF, March 20, 2009

Priest Breaks down in Criminal Court

WPBF
March 20, 2009

http://www.wpbf.com/news/18978624/detail.html

[with video]

Video: Priest's Prison Sentence Under Review

Judge Couldn't Reach Sentencing Decision

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Interest was so high that the proceeding had to be moved to a bigger courtroom. And television crews from Father John Skehan's native Ireland crammed the hallways.

The decision that Judge Jeffrey Colbath was to make Friday was deciding appropriate punishment for Skehan, 81, who admitted to stealing more than $100,000 from St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Delray Beach.

"We feel the fact that Father Skehan will no longer be able to function as priest is a penalty itself," said Vicar General Charles Notabartolo of the Diocese of Palm Beach. Notabartolo was the government's only witness. The prosecution and the defense agreed the former pastor should not serve prison time.

Testifying to Skehan's good deeds was a long line of supporters.

"I'll always call you Father Skehan, I won't call you mister anything," said parishioner Frank McKinney referring to the fact that diocese already stripped Skehan of his priest faculties.

There were many parishioners who wanted the judge to know the priest helped families and enriched lives.

"He taught me how to lead," said Frances Buorque, who added a story about how Skehan saved her daughter's wedding.

There was a moment that brought tears to the gallery.

"With humility and remorse," testified Skehan, before his sobs drifted through the courtroom. He said he knew he brought shame and embarrassment

"For me, it has been a living hell. The two and a half years since my arrest has been devastating," said Skehan.

In the end the judge said he could not reach a decision. Colbath said he felt Skehan was too old to serve time and had done many good deeds. On the other hand, countered Colbath, there is a climate of corruption nationally and the community needs to get the right message about crime.

A sentencing decision should come by next Friday.