By Adrian Lowe
The Age
August 8, 2011
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/damage-and-misery-14-years-jail-for-christian-brother-20110808-1iibn.html
[with video]
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| Robert Best 'caused a great deal of human damage and misery.' |
Victims of a paedophile Christian Brother have hurled abuse at the 70-year-old as he was led away to begin a 14-year jail term for sex crimes committed over almost 20 years.
Robert Charles Best was today jailed for 14 years and nine months for sexual crimes against 11 boys in Ballarat, Box Hill and Geelong between 1969 and 1988.
Best, after a series of trials in the County Court, finally pleaded guilty to several remaining charges.
He was earlier at trial found guilty of 21 charges.
Most of his victims were aged between eight and 11.
In sentencing, Judge Roy Punshon told Best: "You have caused a great deal of human damage and misery."
Judge Punshon said the impact statements of many victims provided "a salutary and powerful reminder of the devastating and long-lasting effect that sexual offending against children can have...
"Because of your power and position of authority the victims who were young and immature felt powerless and unable to complain either at all or effectively," he said.
Best taught in Ballarat, Box Hill and Geelong and later in Warrnambool.
The Catholic Church funded much of Best's defence, which victims have said added to their anguish.
As Best was led away into custody this morning, several victims and members of their families hurled abuse at the 70-year-old.
"You're a mongrel," one said.
"Suck it up Best," said another.
A third shouted "karma".
Best must serve a minimum of 11 years and three months before being eligible for parole.
Judge Punshon said any rehabilitation would be dependent on how Best participated in a sex offenders program in jail.
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