AUSTRALIA
Armidale Express
DANNIELLE MAGUIRE and EMMA PARTRIDGE
May 4, 2016
ARMIDALE Bishop Michael Kennedy has apologised to victims of John Joseph Farrell after the ex-priest was sentenced on Monday to a maximum of 29 years in prison for sexually abusing children.
Nine altar boys and three girls were preyed on by Farrell, also known as “Father F”, between 1979 and 1988 in Armidale, Moree and Tamworth.
He will spend at least 18 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 29 years.
The former priest was informed of his fate at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court.
Bishop Kennedy issued his apology in a statement after the sentencing hearing.
“I cannot change past actions and failures, however, I do once more offer all victims of abuse and their families my deepest, heartfelt and unequivocal apology,” he said.
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