Adelaide Archbishop Philip Wilson, who appointed a Michael Abbott, queen's counsel, to conduct an investigation into the claims, said, "Mr. Abbott found that there is no substance to the allegations made by Archbishop Hepworth."
Archbishop Wilson said Nov. 28 that the lawyer's conclusions were arrived at "after an examination of all of the relevant facts and circumstances."
"Mr. Abbott's report is a significant document of over 150 pages, including multiple annexures, and it reflects a very extensive and completely thorough investigation of every aspect of Archbishop Hepworth's allegations," he said.
"I am satisfied that Mr. Abbott examined all of the allegations raised by Archbishop Hepworth. He personally interviewed 29 witnesses, including many who were present at the time that the events were alleged to have occurred. He also examined a very large body of relevant documents, including those still in existence from the period dating back to the relevant period."
-snip-Archbishop Hepworth said he made his accusations four years ago, so Archbishop Wilson said he also had Abbott examine the question of whether the archdiocese delayed responding to the abuse allegations.
"In this regard, Mr. Abbott found that there was no basis for any criticism or complaint about how the Archdiocese of Adelaide dealt with Archbishop Hepworth's allegations. He found that the matter was handled in a completely appropriate and professional way, in accordance with proper procedures and sensitivity towards Archbishop Hepworth," Archbishop Wilson said.
Most interesting.
Mr Abbott yesterday defended the credibility of his inquiry. "Archbishop Hepworth chose not to make any written statement; he chose not to put anything in writing; he chose not to give me any list of witnesses to contact; he chose not to participate -- full stop," he told The Australian.
"On the evidence that I had, I think my findings are very comprehensive."
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