Victims Walk out on Vic Priest’s Apology

Australian Teacher Magazine
April 3, 2014

http://www.ozteacher.com.au/news/vic/victims-walk-out-on-vic-priests-apology/27424

MELBOURNE, April 3 – Victims of a pedophile priest have walked out of a Melbourne court as he stood to deliver an apology.

Frank Gerard Klep, 70, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing 15 boys while a teacher and principal at Salesian College Rupertswood from 1973 to 1984.

As Klep stood to read a prepared apology, many of his victims left the courtroom.

“I abused your trust and betrayed you in the most appalling circumstances, for that I am truly sorry,” Klep said.

It is the third time Klep has either pleaded guilty to or been convicted of abusing schoolboys.

Many of the boys were sexually assaulted or raped while in beds at the school’s sick bay, which was operated by Klep.

One boy passed out in the bathroom and woke in Klep’s bed, with his genitals being fondled by Klep.

Another victim was sexually assaulted when he used a pay phone outside Klep’s office to call home.

Their suffering was laid bare in the Victorian County Court on Thursday, as they spoke of the failed relationships, depression and alcoholism they have experienced in the years since Klep’s crimes.

“Frank Klep you left a lasting impression on me that will never be erased,” one victim said.

“I’m often ashamed of myself, how did I let this happen to me?”

Another victim told the court he abused alcohol as a coping mechanism for the trauma of the abuse.

“When I had dark days I would drink myself into unconsciousness,” he said.

He said he often woke in a cold sweat after dreaming he was back at the Sunbury school.

Defence barrister Julie Sutherland said Klep had successfully completed a sex offenders course when he was last jailed for child abuse in 2006, and was remorseful for his crimes.

Klep’s bail was revoked and he was taken into custody with his pre-sentence hearing continues next week.