Gerald Ridsdale: Australia’s worst paedophile priest reportedly on his death bed
Gerald Ridsdale, the man believed to be Australia’s worst paedophile priest, is reportedly expected to die within days.
The 90-year-old is serving a maximum of 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing at least 72 children during the 1970s and ‘80s while working as a Catholic priest at multiple schools and churches across Victoria.
Sources have told the Herald Sun, that Ridsdale is on his death bed and “no longer opening his eyes or engaging”.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Ridsdale, who has been behind bars since 1994, had a fall in November 2022 and was bed-ridden, suffering chronic pain, muscle wasting and weak limbs and was recommended to be placed into palliative care in 2023.
In August last year he appeared in Bendigo Magistrates Court via video link from Port Phillip Prison to answer more historical charges.
As he lay in his prison bed propped up by three pillows, the now frail predator pleaded guilty to eight additional sexual assault charges against children.
He had been facing a total of 62 child sexual assault charges but 56 were withdrawn.
The notorious predator admitted six counts of indecently assaulting young males and two counts of buggery of two children who were aged under 14.
The crimes were committed in the regional Victorian towns of Inglewood, Ballarat, Apollo Bay, Horsham and Mortlake between 1973 and 1981.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
— with AAP
