Abusive priest jailed.

Former Anglican priest Ralph Rowe on July 6 was convicted of additional charges of sexual abuse against boys and sentenced by a judge in Kenora (Ont.) Superior Court to three years in prison.

The Kenora Daily Miner & News reported that Justice Erwin Stach found Mr. Rowe, 67, guilty of indecent assault and sexual assault, including rape. The incidents took place in several First Nation communities in northern Ontario where Mr. Rowe served as a priest, Boy Scout leader and pilot.

Mr. Rowe, who lives in Surrey, B.C., was previously convicted for similar sexual offences in 1994 and served four and a-half years of a six-year sentence. At the time, prosecutors agreed that Mr. Rowe would not have to serve further jail time if more charges were laid for such charges as fondling. Last May, he pied guilty to 20 charges that fell under the plea bargain. However, the additional charges involved more serious offences.

"He is likely one of the most prolific pedophiles this country has ever seen. Every community he's spent time in, he made offences," said Crown attorney Peter Keen. Native leaders expressed relief at the sentence. "It's my hope the sentencing and sexual offender designation of Ralph Rowe will contribute to the healing process not only for the direct victims, but for all Nishnawbe Aski Nation members affected by his abuse," said Alvin Fiddler, deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation.

Staff