The Anglican Church and a Melbourne council have settled a legal claim without liability after it was alleged they allowed a paedophile to run a local youth group that he used to abuse children in the 1970s and 1980s.
Barry Watson, a convicted paedophile who killed himself while facing other sexual assault-related charges in 2019, led the Church of England’s Boys Society Club (CEBS) youth group in the outer north-eastern suburb of Park Orchards.
One of his victims, Henry (not his real name), sued the church and Manningham council last year.
In his statement of claim, he said the church should have known prior to allowing Watson to run the group that he’d been accused of abusing children.
Council placed Watson in a position of power, trust and authority over Henry and failed in its duty of care, he alleged in his statement of claim, including by allowing him to access council facilities to run the group.
A financial settlement was reached without liability last month, but the sum remains confidential.
The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne said it could not comment on the specifics of any claim made against it but “profoundly regrets any harm suffered by any victims of abuse who were owed a duty of care by the Church”.
“The Diocese has implemented and takes seriously the recommendations of the royal commission into Institutional Responses to Childhood Sexual Abuse, which include responding to all claims of harm in a trauma-informed and survivor-focused way.”
Manningham council said it abhorred abuse and violence and took claims seriously.
“Council acknowledges the incredible courage required to raise these issues and reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that survivors are seen, heard, and more importantly believed,” a spokesperson said.
“Sadly, this person suffered abuse at a Church of England Boys Society youth group convened by Barry Watson at a council-owned facility in the 1980s. Council was not involved in running the youth group and only became aware of the abuse upon being contacted by lawyers in 2021.
“Consistent with being a model litigant and recognising that protracted litigation regarding historical abuse matters is difficult for all participants, council will always sensitively and fairly respond to any claim it is party to.”
Watson, 78, had been charged on three separate occasions with abusing multiple children at the youth club or after luring them to his home.
He was jailed in 2013 for offences against children as young as seven who had attended the group.
Henry was attending the club in the early 1980s when he was molested multiple times by Watson.
Henry’s lawyer, Slater and Gordon abuse law practice group leader Jane McCullough, said the abuse that occurred at the club was rampant and horrifying.
It was alleged that after the abuse had been reported against Watson in 1976, the church cut ties with him but did not refer the allegations to police or inform the council.
Watson was allowed to continue running a youth group through council and abused children for at least nine more years, it was alleged.
“These organisations have failed to protect innocent children in favour of known abusers,” McCullough said.
“Instead of taking any action [the church] quietly distanced themselves from the youth group and Watson was allowed to continue to have unfettered access to children by running the group through Manningham council.
“Watson continued to abuse many children for at least another nine years in, causing irreversible harm.”
McCullough said Henry was eight when he was first abused by Watson.
“The abuse he suffered has affected every aspect of his life. He has found it difficult to secure work since leaving school and struggles to form meaningful relationships.
“Henry has said this has forever turned his life upside down. He has suffered from depression, panic attacks, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts.
“Every person who comes forward hopes that by coming forward they can encourage others to come forward and help stop the cycle of abuse and silence.”
• In Australia, children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, and adult survivors can contact Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331. In the US, call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline on 800-422-4453. Other sources of help can be found at Child Helplines International
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is at 800-273-8255 or chat for support. You can also text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis text line counselor. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org
