DMB
22 Oct 2010, 06:02 PM
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/child-abuse-priest-jailed-for-21-years-2113856.html
A paedophile former priest who fled to the United States in 1985 was today jailed for 21 years for campaign of sexual abuse against young boys which began in the 1950s.
A jury at Birmingham Crown Court deliberated for around six hours before unanimously convicting 73-year-old James Robinson, who was extradited from California last year to face trial. . .
. . . Passing sentence, Judge Patrick Thomas QC, described the defendant as devious and manipulative.
He told Robinson: "The offences you committed were unimaginably wicked and caused immense and long-lasting - we can only hope not permanent - damage to the six victims. . .
. . ."You fled the country and hid yourself away, hoping and believing that you were beyond the reach of the law," he told the ex-priest. "Fortunately, the law does not forget, your victims would not forget and you have been brought to justice."
The court heard that Robinson was paid up to £800 a month by the Archdiocese of Birmingham until December 2001, despite officials being aware of the allegations against him.
Robinson claimed in court that he had been unable to afford to return to Britain, although it was established that in February 2000 he was sent a cheque for £8,400 by the archdiocese.
Describing the Catholic Church's role in Robinson's case as highly questionable, Judge Thomas said: "It is 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 (Robinson's victims)."
A paedophile former priest who fled to the United States in 1985 was today jailed for 21 years for campaign of sexual abuse against young boys which began in the 1950s.
A jury at Birmingham Crown Court deliberated for around six hours before unanimously convicting 73-year-old James Robinson, who was extradited from California last year to face trial. . .
. . . Passing sentence, Judge Patrick Thomas QC, described the defendant as devious and manipulative.
He told Robinson: "The offences you committed were unimaginably wicked and caused immense and long-lasting - we can only hope not permanent - damage to the six victims. . .
. . ."You fled the country and hid yourself away, hoping and believing that you were beyond the reach of the law," he told the ex-priest. "Fortunately, the law does not forget, your victims would not forget and you have been brought to justice."
The court heard that Robinson was paid up to £800 a month by the Archdiocese of Birmingham until December 2001, despite officials being aware of the allegations against him.
Robinson claimed in court that he had been unable to afford to return to Britain, although it was established that in February 2000 he was sent a cheque for £8,400 by the archdiocese.
Describing the Catholic Church's role in Robinson's case as highly questionable, Judge Thomas said: "It is 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 (Robinson's victims)."