Former Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders Arrested on Multiple Sex Offence Charges

The former Bishop of Broome, Christopher Alan Saunders, has been arrested at his house in Western Australia‘s north on charges related to multiple sex offences.

Police from the WA Child Abuse squad apprehended the 74-year-old individual at his residence in Broome late on Wednesday afternoon.

Emeritus Bishop Saunders faces a total of 19 charges, including 14 counts of unlawful and indecent assault, two counts of sexual penetration without consent, and three counts of indecently dealing with a child as a person in authority.

The alleged offences span from 2008 and occurred in locations such as Broome, Kununurra, and Kalumburu.

Natalie Dean, a resident of Broome and former attendee of St. Mary’s College, expressed her shock and intention to monitor the court proceedings closely.

Statements from Bishop Michael Morrissey of the Catholic Diocese of Broome reiterated the commitment to safeguarding children, while WA Premier Roger Cook commented on the arrest, highlighting the importance of the legal process.

The resurgence of the investigation followed years of denials from Emeritus Bishop Saunders, refraining from admitting any wrongdoing.

Parallel investigations by both the police and the church have been ongoing for five years, with the allegations first coming to light in early 2020.

The recent development comes after a Vatican report, leaked in late 2023, subsequently triggering a renewed inquiry by WA Police.

Archbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe, recognized the necessity of diligent investigations and affirmed the church’s cooperation with law enforcement.

Emeritus Bishop Saunders, who has spent almost half a century in the Kimberley region, was ordained as a priest in Broome in 1976 before assuming the role of bishop in 1996. Known for his community involvement and social justice advocacy, he has been a prominent figure in the region.