Former Anglican Dean of Newcastle Graeme Lawrence sentenced for sexual assault
Paedophile priest Graeme Lawrence has been sentenced for sexually assaulting a teen boy in the Christ Church Cathedral youth band which left his child victim “shaking” and “scared”.
Newcastle
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A former high-ranking Anglican cleric has been jailed for abusing a 15-year-old boy in 1991.
Former Anglican Dean of Newcastle Graeme Lawrence was sentenced to eight years jail over the aggravated sexual assault of Ben Giggins at Lawrence’s private residence.
Mr Giggins, who volunteered to be identified in the case, said outside Newcastle District Court on Thursday, he was relieved and happy with the sentence handed down, urging other victims to come forward.
“It just shows people in powerful positions can’t hide behind their positions to commit these offences and crimes on people,” he said.
“If there is anyone else out there, come forward, don’t be scared, don’t be afraid if someone has told you you won’t be believed. It gives me closure to the fact that I’m believed.
“It will never be forgotten but now it’s closed, that chapter is closed, and we can move forward.”
In July, Judge Gartlemann found Lawrence guilty of a total of two charges — one of the aggravated sexual assault and another of aggravated indecent assault.
Upon being sentenced, 77-year-old Lawrence looked emotionless, at one time closing his eyes as Judge Tim Gartlemann read out the details.
The court heard 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.
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.
The court heard he was shaking and was scared as Lawrence held on to his shoulders and pushed down harder telling him “to relax”.
Judge Gartlemann told the court, the offences had an immediate psychological effect on the victim when he cried himself to sleep.
And a victim impact statement read in earlier proceedings, demonstrated the effects had been profound.
He detailed Lawrence’s lengthy medical history and said it would make for a difficult time in custody.
“He suffers from a depressive anxiety disorder, manifesting of claustrophobia and fear of flying, recently a mood disorder which he’s getting cognitive behaviour therapy,” Judge Gartlemann said.
“Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, anti-coagulation and urinary problems, hypertension for which he is prescribed multiple prescriptions and diet and exercise.
“It is reasonable to say that his mental conditions will make his custody more onerous and his deterioration of health must be taken into account.
“But these cases cause trauma in victims lives and the harm must be reflected in the sentence. It must also be acknowledged no sentence this court could impose would ever remediate.”
Judge Gartlemann imposed an aggregate sentence of eight years, with a non-parole period of four years and six months, to be eligible to be released in April 2024 at the earliest.
Detective Sergeant Jeffrey Little said Mr Giggins had paid the price of a social injustice of a man in a powerful position.
“No longer should we say Graeme Lawrence OAM, order of Australia medal, when in fact he’s now Graeme Lawrence CP, convicted paedophile,” Det. Sgt. Little said.
“Despite Ben’s pain and suffering over many years he’s shown nothing but complete honour and complete strength and we salute him for it.”
THE ANGLICAN CHURCH
Outside court, Bishop of Newcastle Peter Stuart praised Mr Giggins’ courage and bravery upon speaking up.
He said the Anglican Church had an opportunity to express their regret to Mr Giggins and did publicly again today.
“The result shows that in the community child abuse cannot be accepted,” he said.
“I hope it brings the man in the centre of this the comfort and assurance that the community does not accept what occurred to him and neither do we as the Anglican Church and Diocese of Newcastle.
“Ben is an amazingly courageous man, he has spoken with bravery and openness to bring his concerns before the community and courts, in order that his situation can be properly heard and his offences properly treated.
“Ben and his family should have been able to come to an Anglican Church in complete safety and go home rejoicing at a positive experience. He has been denied that and the court today has said that’s completely unacceptable.
“We hope and pray for Ben’s fullness to health and offer our support to his family.
“The work of the royal commission said those who have been hurt should come forward and we encourage people to go forward to the police and we also encourage them to come forward to the church.”
NO REMORSE
Mr Giggins said it’s shameful Lawrence had not shown any remorse through the whole ordeal
“I think that shows the arrogance of the man, he just showed he thought he was higher above people in general society and tried to hide behind that he was the dean,” he added.
He said it was one of the most difficult experiences in his life to tell his wife, family and friends but essentially it lifted an enormous weight from his shoulder.
“It was very difficult we (wife) went through some tough times, dark days but when I did finally come out and tell someone,” he said.
“I’ve been holding a secret for 25 years and you don’t know who you are and then the royal commission came up, it just put it in the spotlight.
“It was difficult to take that first step. In the back of my mind I thought no one would believe me and I had to take a step for other victims as well.
“My message to people is to come forward, police have been unbelievable and if there are other victims, come forward the heavy lifting against Lawrence is done, don’t be ashamed.”
Abuse survivor Steven Smith also acknowledged the courts ruling.
“It’s good to see a district court judge acknowledge publicly the effect child abuse has on victims, and I ask that Attorney-General Speakman take note of that,” Mr Smith said.
“I am happy with the sentence and I’d like to acknowledge the bravery of Ben the way he has stood up and also acknowledge the good work of Detective Sergeant Jeff Little.
“He’s one of the unsung heroes in this town, that man has worked so hard to look out for people like myself and others. Good on him.”
FALL FROM GRACE
Following his conviction in July, Lawrence was stripped of two Newcastle city awards in August.
During a mayoral minute, Nuatali Nelmes was supported to formally revoke the 2004 Citizen of the year accolade and rescind the 2007 Freeman of the City award.
It noted the honours were strictly reserved for well-respected community members who displayed high standards of personal conduct and behaviour at all times, and who provided the upper most level of service to Newcastle and the community.
Mr Giggins said it was an important action to take.
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“I thank the Lord Mayor and CEO for taking decisive action to rescinding awards on behalf of the city previously given to Graeme Lawrence,” said Mr Giggins.
“It's important this action occurred so that history is not misrepresented.”
Abuse allegations against Lawrence saw him defrocked in 2012 following his retirement in 2008. He served as Dean of Newcastle's Anglican Cathedral from 1984.
In 2016 Lawrence gave evidence at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, where he denied claims he was a leader of a group of child abusers and was involved in any child sexual abuse cover-ups in the diocese.