August 14th 2024.
In a recent court appearance, convicted pedophile priest Gerald Ridsdale made a shocking admission of more historical child sexual abuse in Victoria. The 90-year-old, who appeared via video link from Port Phillip Prison, was propped up by pillows as he lay in his bed. Despite his frailty, Ridsdale pleaded guilty to eight additional charges of sexual assault against children.
Originally facing 62 charges, 56 were withdrawn, leaving only six counts of indecent assault and two counts of buggery against young males. These crimes took place between 1973 and 1981 in various regional towns in Victoria, including Inglewood, Ballarat, Apollo Bay, Horsham, and Mortlake. The accused, who had been too unwell to attend his previous committal hearing, finally admitted to his heinous acts in court.
Magistrate Megan Aumair asked Ridsdale for his plea, to which he replied, "I'm guilty." The notorious pedophile priest is scheduled to appear at Bendigo County Court on February 17, 2025 for a plea hearing. It is a date that many are anticipating, as Ridsdale is currently serving a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison for sexually abusing at least 72 children during his time as a Catholic priest.
This latest admission adds to Ridsdale's long history of child sexual abuse, which took place in multiple schools and churches across Victoria in the 1970s and '80s. He had a fall in 2022 and has since been bed-ridden, suffering from chronic pain, muscle wasting, and weak limbs. In 2023, he was recommended to be placed in palliative care due to his deteriorating health. If he serves out his current sentence, Ridsdale will be at least 100 years old.
Most of Ridsdale's previous offending occurred in western Victoria, where he spent the majority of his time as a priest after being ordained in 1961. He also served in New South Wales and even in New Mexico in the United States, where he underwent sex offender treatment through the church. For those affected by his actions, support is available through the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT. As for Ridsdale, he will face the consequences of his actions in court, where justice will hopefully be served.
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