Priest Admits He Should Have Gone to Police: Abuse Inquiry

ABC News
July 18, 2013

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-19/priest-admits-he-should-have-gone-to-police/4829842?section=nsw


The priest who was second in charge of the Hunter Valley's Catholic Church concedes senior clergy should have gone to police, even if the victims were not keen to do so.

Former Maitland-Newcastle vicar general Father William Burston will continue giving evidence at the public hearings this morning.

The inquiry is investigating claims the Church covered-up abuse by two priests including Denis McAlinden.

Maria Gerace is representing some victims at the inquiry, and under cross examination late yesterday Father Burston said it was possible he had "formed the view that McAlinden was a risk to children".

He also conceded there was some concern he would reoffend.

Ms Gerace put to him he should have gone to police given his position, but Father Burston replied, "I wasn't carrying the case".

He agreed with Ms Gerace when she said considering the "intelligence" the Church had regarding victims, senior clergy should have gone to police even if the victims did not want authorities involved.

Father Burston also conceded a victim was showing signs he had been sexually abused.

He told the commission he cannot remember a conversation he is said to have had with the director of the Church's Professional Standards Office regarding a victim's deteriorating behaviour.

He said he does not remember saying it was a "sign of psychological disturbance".

When pressed further by Commissioner Margaret Cunneen, Father Burston said the behaviour was certainly a sign that there had been "some trauma" but not necessarily abuse.

But he soon conceded that the victim's behavioural issues were consistent with someone who had been sexually abused.

Monsignor Allan Hart is scheduled to give evidence later today.