Ridsdale May Reveal Abuses

Herald Sun
March 18, 2013

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/opinion/ridsdale-may-reveal-abuses/story-e6frfhqo-1226600096276

Gerald Ridsdale leaves the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

ONE of Australia's worst child predators may become one of the most important witnesses at the royal commission into sex abuse.

According to his victims, Gerald Ridsdale could reveal details of a network of child abusers within the priesthood that did not come out at his trials.

As reported in today's Herald Sun, Ridsdale was sentenced to a maximum of 25 years, but could be released on parole as early as June.

The now defrocked priest molested at least 40 children over three decades and may be able to provide evidence concerning other predators.

Witnesses have told how Ridsdale, who once shared a house with other priests, including the now Cardinal George Pell, was moved to other parishes when his crimes became known.

There is no suggestion that Cardinal Pell, then a junior priest, knew anything of Ridsdale's activities when they were in the diocese of Ballarat.

However, the former priest's victims believe Ridsdale may be able to give evidence of the extent to which knowledge of his crimes and those of others were known to the Catholic hierarchy.

Covering up the abuses of Catholic priests and brothers, and clergy in other denominations, led to state inquiries and now the royal commission announced by the Federal Government.

One of the difficulties the Catholic Church appears to have had in dealing with sex abuse has been that it was considered a sin, which could be forgiven, rather than a crime to be reported.

That attitude has changed and Pope Francis, as the newly elected head of the Catholic Church, is being looked on as a courageous leader willing to confront abuse.

Widespread child sex abuse has been discovered in the church in Australia and Ridsdale may be able to support the evidence of many victims who believe there is much that has not been uncovered.

Another paedophile, a Catholic brother believed to be living in Melbourne after being jailed for abusing 11 children, could face further charges.

One of the issues likely to be taken into account in releasing Ridsdale is that he has remorse and admits his guilt.