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	Catholic Priest Denies Rape Claim Sky News September 14, 2011 http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=661573&vId=2701997&cId=Top%20Stories [with video] A Catholic priest has categorically denied raping Adelaide Archbishop of the Traditional Anglican Communion John Hepworth decades ago. Speaking under parliamentary privilege, independent senator for South Australia Nick Xenophon on Tuesday named the priest as Monsignor Ian Dempsey, a parish priest in the seaside suburb of Brighton. Senator Xenophon told the Senate there were allegations that Monsignor Dempsey had raped John Hepworth more than 40 years ago. Monsignor Dempsey on Wednesday denied the claims in a brief statement read to journalists. 'I categorically deny the allegations which I note are said to relate to events that occurred some 45 years ago, and they have nothing at all to do with underage people,' he said. Flanked by a supportive parishioner and chair of the Brighton parish council, Judy Fernandez, Monsignor Dempsey reiterated his denial. 'Firstly I wish to state I am aware of John Hepworth's unsubstantiated allegations against me through an inquiry instigated by the Archbishop of Adelaide. 'As the inquiry is ongoing I have nothing further to say apart from denying the allegations.' He said he was going on holiday this weekend, as arranged before the allegations surfaced over the weekend.
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