Inquiry Hears Anglican Bishop Knew about Abuse

ABC News
May 24, 2012

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-05-24/northam-abuse-inquiry/4031334?section=wa

Roy Wenlock was warden of the hostel for 14 years

An inquiry investigating sexual abuse by a warden at a state-run hostel in regional Western Australia, has heard an Anglican Bishop knew about the warden's alleged behaviour a year before he was sacked.

Roy Wenlock was the warden at Saint Christopher's Hostel in Northam for 14 years during the 1960s and 70s.

The inquiry has been told he indecently assaulted boys until he was forced to resign in 1977.

Former boarders of the hostel have told the inquiry it was common knowledge among them that Wenlock was sexually abusing boys

The local high schools former principal Claude Riordan gave evidence today, saying he was told about the abuse and approached the head of the hostel's board, Bishop Michael Challen, in 1976.

In a statement Mr Riordan said Bishop Challen told him he knew about the situation and had it in hand.

The inquiry also heard the abuse allegations were relayed to local MP Ken McIver in 1976.

Mr McIver approached the chairman of the Hostel's board with the allegations and it's understood Mr Wenlock received a warning.

The following year, further allegations arose and Wenlock was forced to resign.

The inquiry is investigating whether the hostel's board responded to allegations quickly enough or if they kept quiet to protect the hostel's reputation.

Wrestling

Yesterday, victims testified Wenlock asked them to strip down to their underwear and started wrestling with them, simulating sexual intercourse.

A police officer who boarded at the hostel told the inquiry it was like being raped.

It also heard Wenlock would watch boys shower and have boarders straddle him in their underpants.

Victims said the boys were especially targeted on their birthdays.

They said the boys were too afraid to reject his invitation because they feared he would make life difficult for them.

At least one victim has committed suicide.

Police were notified of Wenlock's behaviour in the mid 1970s but say they did not have enough evidence to charge him because it was only illegal to indecently deal with a child under 14.

Roy Wenlock died five years ago, aged 75.

He was never charged.