Predator Priest Starts Work at Melbourne Church

By Alexandra Pleffer
9 News
January 20, 2013

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2013/01/20/09/25/predator-priest-starts-work-at-melbourne-churcharticle

The Catholic Church apologised to Jennifer Herrick and paid her $100,000 in compensation for the "harm" Father Tom Knowles caused her during their 14-year secret sexual relationship.

But the church has now allowed Father Knowles to return to full duties at St Francis' in Melbourne after about 16 months of "administrative leave".

Ms Herrick, who has bilateral congenital hip dysplasia, says she felt powerless to refuse Father Knowles' sexual advances because of his role as her family priest.

"I now understand that my very severe vulnerability allowed him to exploit me by abusing his priestly powerful position for nearly two decades for his sexual needs," she told The Sydney Morning Herald.

"You feel you can't say anything to anybody because he was a priest.

"When a young, disabled woman is caught up with a priest, you are trapped."

She said sex with the priest, who was supposed to be celibate, was rushed, aggressive and sometimes painful.

Last month, a senior NSW church official advised Ms Herrick's lawyer in writing that Father Knowles had committed to an "intensive" therapy program and would be returning to public ministry.

Father Knowles' superior, Father Graeme Duro, said everything to alleviate Ms Herrick's suffering had been done and it was "appropriate" for the priest to be reinstated.

Ms Herrick said she was extremely distressed by the decision.