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UK - Former Roman Catholic Priest gets 21 years

by greg1usa | October 22, 2010 at 06:38 pm

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Former Roman Catholic Priest gets 21 years for Sexual abuse
James Robinson, aged 73 was found guilty and sentenced to 21 years in prison by Birmingham Crown Court earlier today. Robinson who fled from the United Kingdom in 1985 to the United States was extradited back to the UK after being tracked down to a trailer park where he resided.

Robinson told the court he had been unable to afford to return to Britain, but the jury later heard that in February 2000 the archdiocese sent him a cheque worth £8,400. The court also heard that the former priest had continued to receive payments of £800 a month by the Archdiocese of Birmingham until December 2001 even though church officials were aware of the allegations against him.

The jury heard he carried out a string of abuses against six victims, including two altar boys, between 1959 and 1983. Sentencing Robinson to 21 years Judge Thomas said "The role of the Catholic Church [in the case] is questionable, but it's not for me to judge. “Others may take the view that a full investigation and full disclosure of the results of that investigation is due to the members of that church and [the victims]."

Judge Thomas also described Robinson as "devious, manipulative and bold" he went on to describe the crimes as "unimaginably wicked". He added "You used, you abused your position of trust, your position of authority and total trust within the communities that you moved to and from." According to investigators, Robinson showed no remorse for his actions.

The Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley refused to comment but said "The Archdiocese of Birmingham sincerely regrets James Robinson’s serious betrayal of the trust placed in him. We wish to express our heartfelt concern for all those who have been involved in this case or affected by it.

source www.thebritsite.blogspot.com

Related story http://my.nowpublic.com/world/pope-expresses-sorrow-clerical-child-abuse-victims