Priests abused 140 children in Ballarat

ABUSE BY CATHOLIC PRIESTS IN BALLARAT DIOCESE

* 140 child sex abuse claims since 1980

* Nearly $5 million in compensation paid for 86 claims

* Average payment $54,000

* 90 per cent of claims against seven priests

OFFENDERS INCLUDE

GERALD FRANCIS RIDSDALE

* Convicted of 138 offences against 53 victims

* Subject of 78 claims to church

* Covering 1961 (year he was ordained) to 1988

* In jail since 1994

MONSIGNOR JOHN DAY (deceased)

* 15 abuse claims to church

* Covering 1954 to 1973 in Mildura, Apollo Bay and Timboon parishes

FR PAUL DAVID RYAN

* Four abuse claims to church

* Covering 1979 to 1992

* Remains a priest, although faculties have been removed

SOURCE: The child abuse royal commission