The number of active paedophiles in Melbourne and Greater Victoria between the 1950s and 1990s is more than just criminal — it’s downright disturbing. Melbourne was a paedophile hub around this time, especially within the Catholic Church. Hundreds of children were sexually abused by members of the Catholic Church or institutions run by the church throughout Victoria, concentrated heavily in Melbourne.
Scores of predatory paedophiles in Melbourne trained at Corpus Christi College including Father Wilfred “Bill” Baker, Monsignor John Day and Father Kevin O’Donnell. It has been found that of 378 priests who graduated from Corpus Christi College between 1940 and 1966, 14 went on to be convicted for child sex offences and four others died before being convicted. It is clear that there is a culture of sin and sexual abuse within the walls of the college.
Of course, not all paedophiles in Melbourne were Catholic priests. Child sexual abuse has also been rampant in schools, foster homes and youth detention centres like Turana Youth Training Centre, Winlaton Youth Training Centre and Baltara Reception Centre. Wherever there were vulnerable young children, paedophile offenders were hiding in the shadows waiting to strike.
At Kelso Lawyers, our goal is to expose the crimes of paedophiles in Melbourne (see our Melbourne sex offenders list below) and give survivors the chance to seek justice. Our team is made up of some of the most experienced and successful child abuse lawyers in Australia — child abusers cannot hide from us.
We want to hear your story. Contact us and apply for compensation today. We will ensure you receive the maximum possible payout for your case.
Father Terry Pidito (Active 1970s – 1980s)
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| Brother Edward Dowlan (Active 1960s – 1980s)
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Father Paul David Ryan (Active 1970s – 1990s)
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| Father Anthony Bongiorno (Active 1980s)
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Father Paul Evans (Active 1970s and 1980s)
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| Brother Robert Best (Active 1960s and 1970s)
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Brother Paul Keaney (Active 1940s)
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| Brother Rex Francis Elmer (Active 1970s)
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Father Desmond Gannon (Active 1950s – 1990s)
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| Father Wilfred Baker (Active 1960s – 1990s)
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Monsignor John Day (Active 1920s – 1970s)
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| Father Kevin O’Donnell (Active 1940s – 1990s)
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Father Frank Klep (Active 1970s – 1980s)
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| Father Peter Searson (Active 1970s – 1990s)
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While sex offenders in Melbourne make up an alarming percentage of Australian paedophiles, the problem of unchecked child abuse is widespread. Australia has been a hub of clergy sexual abuse since colonisation, with offenders operating across New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and beyond. Our ever-growing sex offenders list in Melbourne isn’t even half of Australia’s problem with paedophiles.
Discover Australia’s paedophile hotspots in the video above.
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