Ex-priest sentenced to six months' jail for child sex abuse

ABC News
April 30, 2014

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-04-30/ex-priest-sentenced-to-six-months27-jail-for-child-sex-abuse/5420944

A former Catholic priest will serve six months in jail for sexually abusing three boys at a Bendigo school.

James Jennings, 81, was a teacher at St Vincent's College (which is now known as Catholic College Bendigo) in the 1960s, when he sexually abused three boys, who were aged 12 and 13 at the time.

The offences took place in their bedrooms, his office and the school sick bay.

One of the boys suffered frequent and sustained abuse over several years.

In a victim impact statement tendered in the county court, he said the abuse made him feel "exploited, humiliated, ashamed and embarrassed."

Jennings' lawyer told the court his client's behaviour was "opportunistic" and the result of a lack of sexual outlets for priests.

Jennings has already served two months in jail and will be released in August.