Father Peter Rushton was a sadistic and violent sexual offender who is believed to have abused hundreds of boys over a 40-year career across the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast regions.
Rushton used his position as an Anglican priest to operate a paedophile ring, not only abusing children himself but also providing other offenders with access to children to commit sexual offences.
Many of Rushton’s victims were vulnerable children residing in St Alban’s Home for Boys, near Cessnock, and Woodland’s Home in Wallsend. Other victims included altar servers, Sunday School students and the children of parishioners from the various local churches where Rushton worked.
Unforgivably, the Royal Commission established that the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle was aware of allegations of child sexual abuse against Ruston at least as early as 1979-1980 but took no action against him.
Are you a survivor of abuse by Peter Rushton or another paedophile priest? Click here to share your story with us. You may be eligible for compensation.
In fact, the Diocese later rewarded Rushton with a promotion, appointing him to the position of Archdeacon of Maitland in 1983, making him part of the leadership team within the Diocese.
Rushton operated within the Diocese from the mid-1960s right through until 2001 with roles in Cessnock, Wyong, Mt Vincent, Weston, Wallsend, Maitland and Hamilton. Though he died prior to ever facing justice, the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle now admits that he was a prolific abuser of children.
Rushton was far from the only paedophile within the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, with other offenders (amongst others) including Graeme Lawrence, James Michael Brown, Andrew Duncan and former Bishop Ian Shevill.
Kelso Lawyers represents victims of abuse all over Australia, but as a Newcastle based firm, we are also proud of our long history of helping local victims in the Newcastle, Hunter and Central Coast regions to seek justice.
If you suffered abuse in a church, school or children’s home, we want to hear from you. We will fight for you. Click here to share your story, or call us on (02) 4907 4200.
Image source: ABC.net.au
