AUSTRALIA
Herald Sun
SHANNON DEERY HERALD SUN APRIL 08, 2014
A PREDATOR priest who abused 15 boys across two decades should not die in jail because he has “so much to give” the community, his lawyer says.
Frank Klep’s crimes were so sick he was banned from working with children, stripped of his priestly duties and ultimately laicised by the Catholic Church.
But seeking mercy on his behalf today, Julie Sutherland, SC, told County Court judge Frank Gucciardo her 70-year-old client was a valuable member of the community.
“He clearly has so much to give. There are people in the community who could benefit by the help (and) comfort of this man,” she said.
Ms Sutherland said he had worked tirelessly for the community, fundraising for charity, and supporting drug addicts and victims of sexual abuse.
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