Victims of Gerald Ridsdale invited to unprecedented hearing to ‘provide closure’ following his death
In a Victorian first, victims, court staff and police have been invited to a posthumous court hearing following the death of monster pedophile Gerald Ridsdale to ‘provide closure’.
Police & Courts
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Victims of monster pedophile Gerald Ridsdale have been invited to a secret and unprecedented posthumous court hearing just days after the priest’s death.
In what is understood to be a Victorian first, victims, court staff and police were invited to court to “share their experiences” of the evil pedophile.
Media have been specifically banned from the event.
A note circulated among court staff blamed ongoing court delays for failing to give victims access to timely justice.
“On 18 February 2025, we were informed of the passing of Gerald Ridsdale, one of Victoria’s most notorious pedophiles,” it said.
“Prior to his death, Mr. Ridsdale pleaded guilty to additional historical sex offences against seven more victims, all of whom were children at the time of his crimes.
“Unfortunately, due to delays in the court system and frequent adjournments, these victims were denied the opportunity to read their Victim Impact Statements (VIS) or witness Mr. Ridsdale’s sentencing.
“To acknowledge their voices and provide a sense of closure, the local OPP (Office of Public Prosecution) prosecutors working on the Bendigo circuit, with the valued support of the Bendigo County Court Registrar, have arranged a special gathering.”
A senior justice figure said the hearing was unprecedented.
“At this gathering, victims will have the opportunity to read their VIS aloud in a courtroom setting, or have them read by a Prosecutor,” the note said.
“We warmly invite court staff, police members, and those working in victim support to attend in solidarity with these individuals as they share their experiences. Your presence would be greatly appreciated in recognising their suffering and supporting them in their journey toward healing.”
Ridsdale, 90, died on Tuesday having spent decades behind bars for offending against more than 70 children.
He confessed to countless offending, much of which was never prosecuted, while being shuffled by Catholic authorities between parishes across Victoria.
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