Priest forgives vandals for damage to historic Geraldton cathedral

Two teenage vandals who caused more than $40,000 damage to Geraldton’s historic St Francis Xavier Cathedral have today walked free from court. The boys, who cannot be named because they are both aged 17, climbed onto the cathedral bell tower and smashed priceless stained-glass windows on October 13 last year. Both pleaded guilty at an early stage to criminal damage and trespassing after being identified on CCTV footage. When they appeared today for sentencing, Geraldton Children’s Court was told building manager Father Robert Cross had forgiven the boys. “(He) met with the priest, father Cross, and they had some quite in depth conversations,” defence lawyer Melissa Wishart said about one of the boys. “He was given an opportunity to apologise, and without hesitation he offered that apology and was remorseful. “He did a whole day of work cleaning the church… Father Cross believes he was genuine in the empathy that he showed.” Ms Wishart said the boy had since completed six months of work experience with a Geraldton business, and had received a “very positive” reference from his boss. “Speaking to his mum, she’s really blown away by the change over the past 12 weeks,” she said. “His whole demeanour has changed, he has a purpose…. He’s been doing his counselling, reducing his cannabis and alcohol use.” The court was read excerpts of a letter from Father Cross — who is also the Diocese of Geraldton’s Chancellor and director of heritage — in which he stated further punishment was not necessary. “It’s not my wish that (he) be punished any more than he has,” the letter said, referring to one of the boys. “I believe he is ashamed and embarrassed of his actions.” The boy’s lawyer Kelly Beard said he and his mother were “in tears” when they read the letter. She said the boy had been drinking on the night of the incident and the pair had initially intended just to ring the bells. Magistrate Chris Miocevich described the vandalism as “an extremely serious offence that has affected a number of people in the community”. “That damage to the windows is irreparable: they really can’t be replaced,” he told one of the boys. “Against that, you’re still a young man under 18 and you’ve got no record. “You’ve done everything that’s been required of you by court conferencing, you’ve done volunteer work, and I note in the report that you’ve accepted how the offences impacted on other people in the community and you’ve taken responsibility for your actions. “Given that, despite the seriousness of the offence, I am prepared to impose no further punishment… But you need to understand that if you come back for any similar offence, you’re unlikely to receive the same treatment.” Among the windows destroyed by the boys were the 1988 St Matthew circular window, and two 1998 windows celebrating the Presentation Sisters’ Centenary in Geraldton. The Diocese of Geraldton also spent additional money beefing up security at the cathedral in the wake of the vandalism.