Named priest demands apology from senator
A Catholic priest named and shamed by Senator Nick Xenophon in Parliament over rape allegations is demanding an apology after being cleared.
The director of public prosecution has announced no charges will be laid against Monsignor Ian Dempsey over sex abuse allegations made by Bishop John Hepworth, dating back to the 1960s.
“Humiliating and demeaning experience and I think I’ve mentioned this before, it’s an evil act to do under parliamentary privilege because Xenophon had never talked to me,” Monsignor Dempsey said.
He says his faith guided him, but it seems he is not entirely prepared to turn the other cheek.
“I can never prove I am innocent, that’s the hurtful thing, yes,” he said.
Monsignor Dempsey now wants Nick Xenophon to apologise in parliament for naming him.
“He has made a grave error of judgment and he should publicly apologise,” Monsignor Dempsey said.
But Mr Xenophon has defended his actions.
“I felt that I had no choice to do what I did and taken course of action that I did because it brought matters to a head,” he said.
“I believe the only apology needed here is by the Adelaide Archdiocese of the Catholic Church for the way they’ve dealt with Archbishop Hepworth’s allegations.”
The Catholic Church said the matter can now be brought to a close.
John Hepworth is seeking legal advice.
