Overview
- The jury convicted Christopher Alan Saunders on Thursday after a three-week trial, finding him guilty of one count of sexual penetration without consent and 12 counts of unlawful or indecent assault against two men.
- Prosecutors told the court Saunders lured young Aboriginal men to church properties with alcohol, cigarettes and gifts and hosted male-only 'shirts-off' parties where he sexually targeted them.
- Several charges were discontinued or resulted in acquittals during the trial, including four child-penetration counts dropped at the start and six other charges on which he was found not guilty.
- Saunders, 76, was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on September 21, 2026, and he retains the right to appeal.
- The Vatican produced a detailed report that prompted Western Australia Police to reopen the probe and the Diocese of Broome has said it will resume its internal investigation to inform decisions in Rome while offering support to victims and communities.