AUSTRALIA
ABC News
By Karl Hoerr
Victims of a former Catholic priest who sexually abused children in northern New South Wales in the 1980s have described the devastating impact of his crimes in statements read out in court.
John Joseph Farrell, 62, is awaiting sentencing for 62 offences involving 12 victims.
One victim said in his statement, which was read by his mother, the abuse was compounded by the fact that when he reported what happened to him, he was not believed.
“I felt completely abandoned by the institution I had put so much faith in,” his statement said.
The victim said he had enjoyed a happy childhood until the age of 11.
“When I met Farrell, all of that changed,” he said in his statement.
He said the Catholic Church merely protected Farrell.
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