DPP Appeals Paedophile Priest Sentence

ABC Newcastle
April 26, 2012

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-27/dpp-appeals-paedophile-priest-sentence/3975300/?site=newcastle

Former youth worker James Michael Brown abused the boys between the 1970s and 1990s, mainly at Kurri Kurri.

The Director of Public Prosecutions has lodged documents appealing a sentence given to a former Hunter Valley Anglican Church worker who admitted sexually abusing 20 boys.

Former youth worker James Michael Brown abused the boys between the 1970s and 1990s, mainly at Kurri Kurri.

He admitted giving boys as young as eight alcohol before abusing them.

Last month he was sentenced to 10 years jail with six years non-parole.

Victims were outraged with one telling the ABC he had told Anglican church officials about the abuse in 1985.

After the sentence the DPP also had reservations and announced it intended to appeal.

Documents have now been lodged and a hearing is scheduled for August.

Newcastle's Anglican Bishop Brian Farran has expressed deep regret for the abuse.

He says the Diocese has co-operated fully with authorities and will continue to be vigilant in addressing child sexual abuse issues.