AUSTRALIA
Daily Mail
By Australian Associated Press
A former Queensland Uniting Church minister who sexually abused a 12-year-old boy five decades ago will walk free after a judge noted he lived an ‘exemplary life’.
Barry Dangerfield, 83, pleaded guilty in Brisbane District Court today to five counts of indecently treating a child under 14 and six counts of indecent practices between males.
In sentencing, Dangerfield’s defence lawyer Julian Noud accepted the seriousness of the offence, but argued for a wholly suspended sentence given the delay of 55 years since the abuse occurred.
He said there was ‘ample material’ to prove rehabilitation and Dangerfield deserved credit for good character as a popular community leader and devoted husband.
‘He’s lived a completely blameless life, this man,’ Mr Noud said.
Chief Judge Kerry O’Brien said it was ‘a most unusual case’ because Dangerfield’s conduct over the past 50 years demonstrated significant rehabilitation.
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