AUSTRALIA
ABC News
By Geelong reporter Margaret Paul
The former Catholic Bishop of Ballarat remembers a former priest who is facing indecent assault charges “misbehaving”, the Geelong Magistrate’s Court has heard.
Robert Claffey pleaded not guilty to more than 10 charges of indecent assault at various locations in western Victoria, including Ballarat, Warrnambool, Portland and Apollo Bay, between 1970 and 1992.
Ronald Mulkearns was the Bishop of Ballarat between 1971 and 1997.
It is believed this is the first time Bishop Mulkearns has given evidence under oath about sexual abuse in the diocese under his watch.
He has previously been excused from giving evidence at the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into child sexual abuse in religious settings for health reasons.
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