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	Bishop Prays for Truth over Child Sex Allegations ABC Newcastle December 1, 2011 http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-12-01/bishop-prays-for-truth-over-child-sex-allegations/3705712/?site=newcastle The Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle says he prays that a convicted paedophile former priest will honour the truth when dealing with the latest allegations against him. 69-year-old John Sidney Denham will stay in jail until he is at least 80, after last year admitting he abused 39 boys in Newcastle, Sydney and the mid north coast. Yesterday the ABC revealed another 12 alleged victims have come forward, prompting police to lay an additional 40 charges. The lives of dozens of Denham's victims have been torn apart, with many sharing in a multimillion dollar compensation package. In a statement the Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle Bill Wright said "I pray for victims and their families during this difficult time". "I also pray for Mr Denham that he will honour the truth," he said. Bishop Wright also acknowledges and regrets the distress and harm that Denham's past actions have caused and he has acknowledged the latest alleged victims' courage in coming forward. But he says despite Denham's past proven crimes, he should be afforded due process so the courts can test the validity of the additional charges. The former priest was recently defrocked by Pope Benedict and Bishop Wright is urging any other alleged victims to come forward.
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