James Jennings , Former Catholic Priest Jailed for Molesting Fights Compo Claims

By Padraic Murphy
Herald Sun
February 27, 2015

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/james-jennings-former-catholic-priest-jailed-for-molesting-fights-compo-claims/story-fni0fee2-1227242261955

James Jennings leaves the County Court of Victoria.

A FORMER Catholic priest jailed for molesting students at a Bendigo boarding school is fighting compensation claims brought by his victims.

James Jennings, 81, was jailed last year after being found guilty of molesting boys in his car at St Vincent’s college boarding school in the mid-1960s.

Two victims are now trying to make Jennings pay compensation personally.

Jennings — who maintains his innocence — yesterday attacked one of the victims, claiming he had misled the court by saying he was not motivated by compensation and the jury’s decision may have been different had they known of the compensation claim.

“During my trial (he) very clearly stated he was not interested in money. He had agreed to press charges to assist other victims,” Jennings yesterday told County Court Judge Wendy Wilmoth.

“Does that constitute a misleading of the court, a misleading of the jury?”

Jennings said one the victims had already received $190,800 compensation from the Vincentian order, while the other’s medical bills had been picked up by the Church.

Judge Wilmoth will make a decision on the claim in April.