Priest Van Klooster in sex case hit in court

 By Kevin Andrusiak                         Australia, flag   Western Australia, flag

A CATHOLIC priest was punched several times by angry relatives of alleged sexual assault victims inside and outside Bunbury Magistrate's Court yesterday.
  Father Adrian Richard Van Klooster, 59, was charged with two counts of indecently dealing with a child under the age of 13. The charges related to two victims.
  Father Van Klooster sat stony faced in the back of the court as a relative of one of the alleged victims hit him and screamed obscenities.
  A mob, including several of the alleged victims' relatives, confronted Father Van Klooster as he left court.
  He was still and silent as about seven people kicked and punched him. The attack lasted about 30 seconds before police could intervene, taking the priest back inside the courthouse. He left the back way. Police said no charges were laid.
  Bishop Gerard Holohan said Father Van Klooster had been stood down as a parish priest in Bunbury.
  "My hope is the public will not make negative judgments about the thousands of faithful priests because of these charges," he said.
  Father Van Klooster was bailed on $10,000 with a similar surety to appear in court on March 25.

[PICTURE of Father Van Klooster being rescued by a policeman while being manhandled outside. His tongue was out, possibly as a result of hands gripping his collar. His glasses were still on! Mainly bald, his hair is a light colour.]

Punching: Father Adrian Richard Van Klooster, 59, embroiled in violence outside Bunbury Magistrate's Court after appearing on two counts of indecently dealing with a child under the age of 13. No charges were laid after this scene. PICTURE: JEFF HENDERSON
"Priest in sex case hit in court." © The West Australian, Tuesday February 26 2002, p 3
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