BishopAccountability.org
	Legal Firm Winds up Investigation By Madeleine Logan The Chronicle September 12, 2009 http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2009/09/12/legal-firm-winds-up-investigation/ A BRISBANE legal firm has completed an investigation prompted by claims that Toowoomba Catholic Education failed to report the sexual abuse of a student. The inquiry, which took seven months to complete, followed allegations that a Catholic primary school principal did nothing when he was told a teacher had molested a nine-year-old girl. That teacher, aged 60, is expected to plead guilty later this year to 12 counts of rape and 34 counts of indecent treatment of a child under 12. Senior lawyers were involved in the Catholic Education inquiry which was due last Friday. It is now in the hands of Bishop William Morris after its completion on Thursday. “Bishop Morris is thoroughly reviewing the matter and giving careful consideration to any action required,” he said. “He will communicate further about the matter as soon as possible, subject to any constraints, including those related to the ongoing legal proceedings involving the principal.” The primary school principal has been charged with failing to report the sexual abuse of a person under 18 years. His matter is before the courts. He was suspended on full pay when the cover-up allegations surfaced in February. The bishop is in discussions with the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board about a second inquiry which was also launched seven months ago. The board is yet to finalise its investigation.
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