Convicted paedophile and Former Newcastle Dean lodges notice of intention to appeal conviction and jail term

Graeme Lawrence, jailed for sexual abuse of a teenager, has filed an intention to appeal both his conviction and sentence in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Monday.

Graeme Lawrence has lodged an intention to appeal his conviction and jail time for the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old boy (AAP Image/Darren Pateman)

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Former Anglican Dean of Newcastle Graeme lawrence will lodge an appeal against his conviction and jail term for the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old boy in 1991.

In the Newcastle District Court on October 17, the 77-year-old was sentenced to eight years jail, with a non-parole period of four and a half years over the aggravated sexual assault of Ben Giggins at Lawrence’s private residence.

Lawrence was found guilty in July of a total of two charges - one of aggravated sexual assault and another of aggravated indecent assault.

The convicted paedophile priest filed an intention to appeal both his conviction and sentence in the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal on Monday, in which he has six months to lodge that appeal.

Graeme Lawrence arrives at the Newcastle District Court on October 17 before being sentenced to eight years jail for the sexual abuse of a 15-year-old boy in 1991 (AAP Image/Darren Pateman)

Ben Giggins, the victim of Graeme Lawrence (AAP Image/Darren Pateman)

In court it was revealed Mr Giggins was helping set up a youth band at the Christ Church Cathedral in 1991, when Lawrence approached him and asked if he wanted to go for a walk, which he agreed, before going back to pack up.

Lawrence then invited him back to his house, the deanery, for the purpose of a party that evening.

Mr Giggins walked with the former Dean before he took him into a room with naked pictures of boys and asked if he liked it, in which he replied he did not.

Graeme Lawrence, left, with legal representative John Anthony, outside Newcastle District Court before he was jailed. He’s will now lodge an appeal. (AAP Image/Darren Pateman)

Lawrence then forced him to the ground on his knees and pulled his shirt over his head before he had sexual intercourse with him without his consent.

Judge Tim Gartlemann told the court, the offences had an immediate psychological effect on the victim and a victim impact statement, demonstrated the effects had been profound.

Judge Gartlemann imposed an aggregate sentence of eight years, with a non-parole period of four years and six months which means Lawrence will not be eligible for release until April 2024.