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	Perhaps Some Justice Seen in Jail Sentence The Courier August 13, 2006 http://www.thecourier.com.au/detail.asp?class=your%20say&sub class=general&story_id=501744&category=Opinion&m=8&y=2006 Victims of notorious paedophile Gerald Ridsdale were left devastated after the former Ballarat priest was sentenced on Friday to four years' extra jail time. The sentence, the second the former priest has received for child sex crimes, extended his earliest release date to 2013. But in the eyes of the victims, the 72-year-old had issued them a life sentence by betraying their trust when they were just young boys. Ridsdale's crimes were vulgar and many were far too offensive to detail in this newspaper. One victim, who is now 45 years old, screamed out "Oh Jesus, oh God forbid" as he listened to one such offence being described for the County Court at Ballarat. His outburst spoke volumes for the painful memories that still resonated deep within his tortured soul. In sentencing, Judge Bill White said Ridsdale's conduct had left a "terrible legacy", giving rise to "disastrous, catastrophic and, at times, tragic results". Judge White said a number of victim impact statements told of suicide attempts, mental breakdowns, and hospitalisation in psychiatric institutions. Ridsdale, Victoria's most notorious paedophile, had pleaded guilty to 35 charges relating to 10 boys under his care between 1970 and 1987. In 1994 he was sentenced to 18 years' jail with 15 years non-parole after pleading guilty to 46 charges involving 21 children between 1961 and 1982. His path of destruction extended across the western region, with many of his crimes committed against altar boys in Ballarat East, Warrnambool, Apollo Bay, Inglewood, Edenhope, Mortlake and Horsham. Sex crimes against children evoke great hatred within society. Preying on innocent young lives is an act that is unforgiveable in most people's eyes. No punishment seems harsh enough. However, judges remain bound by the law in issuing fair and just sentences. As Judge White said last Friday, Ridsdale's sentencing was exceptionally complex, taking into account the principles at law and his previous sentencing in 1994. By adding an extra four years to his existing sentence, Judge White ensured Ridsdale would be locked away until he is at least 79 years old. He may well die in prison. And many may find some justice in that.
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