Catholic Cleric To Appeal Gaol Sentence

BY IAN CROUCH

Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide Philip Wilson is resisting calls for him to resign after being sentenced for concealing child sex abuse in Newcastle Local Court.

The 67-year-old has lodged an appeal against his 12 month sentence and issued a statement saying he is entitled to exercise his legal rights and will only resign if his appeal is unsuccessful.

Earlier, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also called on the Catholic Cleric to quit.

"I'm surprised he has not resigned - clearly, given the outcome of the case, he should resign," he said.

Philip Wilson Leaving Court After Being Sentenced In Newcastle Local Court Picture: nbcnews.com

Catholic Archbishop Found Guilty Of Concealing Sex Abuse In The Hunter

BY IAN CROUCH

Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide, Philip Wilson has been found guilty of concealing child sex abuse in the Hunter.

The 67-year-old had pleaded not guilty to covering up the abuse of altar boys by paedophile priest James Fletcher in the 1970's.

Magistrate Robert Stone handed down the verdict in Newcastle Local Court this morning following a magistrate-only trial

Phillip Wilson is the most senior Catholic official in the world to be charged and convicted of the offence.

He faces a maximum penalty of two years gaol.

Catholic Archbishop Philip Wilson Found Guilty Of Concealing Child Sex Abuse Picture:therherald.com.au