Read it and weep:
11 December 2015: Retired priest granted day parole
In March 0f 2013 Father George Ansel Smith, a priest with the Diocese of St. George’s Newfoundland, entered a guilty plea to 38 charges related to sexual abuse of young boys between 1969 and 1989 (he initially faced around 70 charges. There were 13 victims who came forward). The plea came five years after he was first identified as a molester and removed from service in the Diocese of Charlottetown, PEI and a little over two years after he was first charged in December 2013.
Father Smith was sentenced to 11 years in jail. After receiving credit for time served, the sentence left to serve was nine years and 347 days.
And now, here we are. He’s out on parole!
I am disgusted. Disgusted beyond measure.
What’s the point of meting out a stiff sentence which comes a little closer to reflecting the abhorrent nature of the crime than the normal ‘Tut Tut bad boy’ if the huggy-bear-kissy face types decide that this poor dear molester should be given a break and let loose?
Is this justice?
What’s the message here to Smith’s many victims? The pain and suffering you have endured for a lifetime is nothing compared the pain poor Father endured for the handful of years he spent in jail?
When he was initially sentenced the last para in an article the Western Star read as follows:
[Father Smith’s lawyer Tom] Williams said his remorseful client had expected such a lengthy sentence and was prepared to accept his punishment.
Why, if he accepted his punishment, is he out on parole?
Please keep Father Smith’s victims and their families in your prayers.
One final thought, this this child molester still a priest in the Roman Catholic Church?
Enough for now,
Sylvia