Church Saddened As Priest Sentenced

By Newstalk Zb Staff
Newstalk Zb
February 27, 2013

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/auckland/news/nbnat/1646736369-church-saddened-as-priest-sentenced

The Bishop of a Christchurch church which was defrauded by one of it' priests says it is extremely sad for all involved.

Father John Fitzmaurice was sentenced to two years and three months in prison for defrauding the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament of more than $150,000.

He had been a priest there for 34 years.

Bishop Barry Jones says the church has continued to support him.

"To lose the services of a very able a gifted priest who, as you heard, has exercised an excellent ministry for over 30 years, and now we don't have that from him anymore.

"It is sad."

Father John Fitzmaurice used the money to feed a destructive gambling addiction.