Bishop Given 'Poison Chalice': Nsw Inquiry

Herald Sun
July 9, 2013

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/bishop-given-poison-chalice-nsw-inquiry/story-fni0xqi4-1226676683751

MICHAEL Malone believed he had inherited "a poisoned chalice" when he became bishop of the Maitland/Newcastle Catholic diocese, an inquiry into child sexual abuse has been told.

Whistleblower cop Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox told commissioner Margaret Cunneen Bishop Malone used that description when commiserating with the mother of a boy who had been repeatedly sexually assaulted during his teenage years by Hunter Valley priest James Fletcher.

Det Insp Fox said the mother told him in 2002 there was animosity between Bishop Malone and his predecessor Bishop Leo Clarke because Bishop Clarke had not revealed the extent of "indiscretions" and "bad decisions" that had taken place in the diocese, possibly for decades.

But the mother felt Bishop Malone was just "going through the motions" speaking to her and was not showing genuine pastoral care, Det Insp Fox said.

Det Insp Fox's evidence was stopped by an objection from a barrister for the diocese, Lachlan Gyles, on the grounds that it was hearsay.

Det Insp Fox on Tuesday completed his testimony after 13 days in the witness box. The special NSW Commission is considering how police and the church handled sexual abuse allegations involving Fr Fletcher and another Hunter Valley priest, Denis McAlinden.

Both priests are now dead.

The commission was prompted by assertions by Det Insp Fox that church leaders hindered police investigations and were assisted by a Catholic mafia within police ranks.

Bishop Malone, who retired in 2011, is scheduled to give evidence on Wednesday.