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	Victims of Predator Sex Priest Face Him in Court By Norrie Ross Herald Sun July 25, 2011 http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/victims-of-predator-sex-priest-face-him-in-court/story-fn7x8me2-1226101366924 VICTIMS of a predator priest faced their abuser today to tell him how his sick serial sex attacks robbed them of their innocence, destroyed their childhood and dogged their adulthood. "I stay up at night with the bastard on my mind and his hands on my body," a victim known as AB told the County Court. Christian Brother Robert Charles Best, 70, appeared for a pre-sentence plea hearing for 21 offences against eight victims committed between 1969 and 1988 at Catholic schools in Ballarat, Geelong and Box Hill. Victim AB said he was a "plaything" for the Christian Brothers and said the Catholic Church's dogged defence of Best rubbed salt into his wounds. "The Christian Brothers are warped and unhealthy," he said. "Being schooled at (the Geelong school) was disturbing. Make the church reel with a heavy sentence on this sadistic predator. "He's a bully and a pervert. His Christianity doesn't mean a thing. "A serious sentence to RB is a much-needed slap in the face to this ignorant and arrogant institution." AB said he took part in the Catholic Church's "towards healing" program but they wanted him to sit down with Best, offered him $2000 compensation and cast doubt on a his truthfulness. "The church is a lie. It is there to torment," said AB. Prosecutor Amanda Forrester outlined to the court a horrific series of abuses while Best was a teacher and a school principal. He touched the victims, rubbed their genitals, raped them, terrorised them, told them they were dirty. Ms Forrester said that one of the victims complained to his parish priest who told him: "If you tell anyone what happened I'll f------kill you". Ms Forrester said other priests knew of the abuse and were present when it occurred. On other occasions he forced other boys to take part in the abuse. On one occasion a Christian Brother walked into a room where Best was raping a victim and forcing another boy to lick the victim's buttocks. The priest said "Oh", chuckled and closed the door, said Ms Forrester. Best was being dealt with for multiple charges of buggery, unlawful and indecent assault against a male under 16, and indecent assaults. Best went through six different trials where he was found guilty and in May pleaded guilty to charges involving three boys. Victim BC wept as he said that Best calling him "dirty" after raping him left him with a lifelong complex about cleanliness. He said the abuse caused him to be aggressive as he grew up, intolerant of authority and with a hatred of the Catholic Church. "Best, you are evil. You are a coward and above all you are guilty," BC said. Best, sitting in the prisoners' dock, did not flicker and showed no hint of emotion as the victim described how his offending led to broken relationships, suicide attempts, alcoholism and drug abuse and inability to form proper relationships. The hearing before Judge Roy Punshon is continuing.
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