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The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Newfoundland Catholic priest sentenced to 11 years for sexual assaults

By: Staff Writer

Thursday, Mar. 14, 2013 at 12:32 PM | Comments: 0

CORNER BROOK, N.L. - A retired Roman Catholic priest in western Newfoundland was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in prison for sex offences involving young boys.

George Ansel Smith pleaded guilty before the provincial Supreme Court to 41 charges of sexual assault, indecent assault and assault.

The offences occurred from 1969 to 1989 in several western Newfoundland communities including Corner Brook, Stephenville and Deer Lake, the court heard.

The Crown had sought between nine and 13 years in prison. But the defence argued that Smith should have been given a sentence of seven to nine years, minus the one year he has already served in custody.

Judge William Goodridge sentenced Smith to 11 years in prison, though he will serve 10 years after taking into account the time he has served in custody.

Bishop Peter Hundt of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador said the outcome of Smith's case will be referred to the Vatican, where senior officials will decide what further actions if any will be taken under Church canon law.

"We hope that this judicial process has in some small measure helped to bring healing and peace to the victims," Hundt added.

(The Canadian Press, VOCM)

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