Anglican Church sued over alleged failures with pedo youth group leader

A man sexually abused by a youth group leader in the 1980s claims the Anglican Church should have known he was a pedophile before appointing him.

The Loud Fence at Domeney Reserve, with tributes to victims of Barry Watson.

The Anglican Church is being sued over allegations it enabled child sex abuse by allowing a pedophile to lead a youth group in the 1980s.

Barry Watson, who was jailed for sexually abusing children before taking his own life as he faced further charges, led the Church of England’s Boys Society Club (CEBS) youth group in Park Orchard in Melbourne’s northeast in the 1980s.

He abused multiple boys during his tenure, including at sporting events, on camping trips and while they were bathing.

One of his victims, James, not his real name, has launched a civil claim against the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, alleging the church knew or should have known Watson was accused of sexual abuse prior to appointing him, and failed to respond to complaints or refer them to police.

In documents filed to the Supreme Court, James claims Watson befriended his parents to create trust before the pedophile would abuse him when they were alone together.

The Loud Fence at Domeney Reserve with tributes to victims of Barry Watson.

“Watson used his position of leader of the branch to create the opportunity and occasion to abuse the plaintiff,” court documents state.

“His position was one of ultimate trust and intimacy vis-a-vis the plaintiff.”

Now in his 50s, James said he struggled with trauma and feelings of guilt for years, burying himself in his business and using drugs as coping mechanisms.

He added the trauma had strained his personal relationships, as he did not like physical contact, but pursuing compensation had been cathartic.

“I’ve lived with the knowledge of what’s happened and been unsure of how to process,” he said.

“It’s a bit of a healing thing to be more open about the abuse. Discussing this with lawyers has made what happened to me less stressful.”

In 1987, Watson pleaded guilty to abusing boys at CEBS.

He was jailed in 2013 after he was convicted on more child sex abuse charges against boys aged between nine and 13 in the 1960s and 1970s.

More allegations emerged in 2019, with the 78-year-old taking his own life days before he was due to front court.

Arnold Thomas & Becker, who are representing James, said Manningham City Council were also being taken to court as some of the abuse took place at council-owned facilities such as the Domeney Reserve hall.

“By challenging the Anglican Church and the Manningham City Council in court, James is seeking compensation for a life shattered by trauma and addiction,” lawyer Cameron Doig said.

“For years, Barry Watson used his position in the Church of England Boys Society and on a Council committee to abuse numerous kids like James at the Domeney Reserve hall.

“We believe that abuse sparked widespread rumours and complaints from parents.”

Mr Doig encouraged others abused by Watson to come forward, particularly those who had complained to the church or council.

The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne and Manningham Council were contacted for comment.