Disgraced priest, 59, repeatedly raped his dying friend's 12-year-old son while telling him he was a 'special child of God'
- Paul Pavlou was studying to become priest in 2003 and offered respite to friend
- The 59-year-old then raped his friend's 12-year-old son on three occasions
- Pavlou appeared in County Court in Victoria on Monday and pleaded guilty
- He must serve seven years in jail before being eligible for release on parole
A student priest who raped his dying friend's 12-year-old son has been jailed for a decade.
Paul Pavlou, 59, was studying to become a priest in 2003 when he offered 'respite' to the family of his friend, who had terminal cancer.
But Pavlou used the opportunity to gratify his 'lascivious and depraved desires' and raped his friend's 12-year-old son on three occasions.
Paul Pavlou, 59 was studying to become a priest in 2003 when he offered 'respite' to the family of his friend who had terminal cancer
After the attacks, Pavlou would tell the victim that he loved him and that he was a 'special child' and a 'child of God', the County Court has been told.
The victim reported the rapes to police 13 years later, but Pavlou initially claimed he couldn't recall molesting the boy.
Share this article
He later pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual penetration of a child under 16.
His victim, who is now an adult, said he cried himself to sleep for years after the 'evil' crimes.
According to The Herald Sun, Pavlou is engaged due to be married, and offered to leave his victim all his possessions after he died.
He later pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual penetration of a child under 16 at Victoria's County Court (stock)
In sentencing on Monday, Judge Greg Lyon said Pavlou's actions deserved 'utter condemnation'.
Pavlou, who has already been in custody for 203 days, must serve seven years in jail before he is eligible for release on parole.
Back in 2009, Pavlou was officially removed from the priesthood after pleading guilty to one charge of committing an indecent act with a 14-year-old boy.
He was also charged for possessing child pornography.
Comments 0
Share what you think
No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.
