Former Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders fronts court again with bail extended until next hearing
Former Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders arrives at court on Monday. (ABC Kimberley: Mya Kordic)
In short:
Former Bishop of Broome Christopher Alan Saunders has faced court to hear an application to vary his bail, which was dismissed.
The 74-year-old is facing a total of 28 charges, including alleged historical sexual offences in the Kimberley.
What's next?
Mr Saunders' bail was renewed and he is set to appear in court again in September.
Bail for former Bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders has been renewed after an application to change his bail conditions was dismissed, while he faces charges of alleged historical sexual offences in the Kimberley.
The 74-year-old is facing a total of 28 charges, including two counts of sexual penetration without consent, 16 counts of unlawful and indecent assault and three counts of indecent dealing with a child.
The court previously heard that the historical charges are alleged to have taken place in different towns in the Kimberley between 2008 and 2016.
Mr Saunders arrived at court alone in a taxi on Monday afternoon for the hearing.
Mr Saunders appeared before the Broome's Magistrates Court on Monday to hear an application from police to vary his bail. (ABC Kimberley: Tom Forrest)
In the last hearing in June, police prosecutor Kristy Miles asked that Mr Saunders' bail be varied so more individuals could be added to the protective conditions.
The application to vary Mr Saunders' bail was then adjourned, after magistrate Deen Potter said he needed more time to consider the variation, given the possibility of an "inadvertent breach" due to potential witnesses residing in Broome.
Mr Saunders also faces six charges of inadequate storage of firearms and being unlicensed to possess a firearm or ammunition.
Bail remains the same
Police prosecutor Mícheál Gregg told the court the individuals police wanted added to the protective conditions were "more sensitive witnesses".
"One at least resides in Broome ... all have ties to Broome and do intend to travel to and from," he said.
Magistrate Potter said he wanted to dismiss the application to change Mr Saunders' bail as he couldn't see the need for protective conditions for the particular individuals requested.
"It doesn't suggest they're particularly vulnerable," he said.
In Monday's hearing, Mr Saunders' defence lawyer Seamus Rafferty appeared via audio link and said his stance on the application was similar to the magistrate's.
In a previous court hearing, Mr Rafferty indicated his client would plead not guilty to all charges.
Former bishop of Broome Christopher Saunders faced the Broome Magistrate's Court on Monday afternoon. (ABC Kimberley: Mya Kordic)
During the hearing, Mr Rafferty criticised previous media reports as inaccurate when referencing witnesses and said it had the potential to prejudice future hearings for his client.
Magistrate Potter dismissed the bail variation application and extended Mr Saunders' bail on the same terms.
Mr Saunders' next hearing is scheduled for September 9.