One of Australia's worst paedophiles dies in prison aged 90
One of Australia's worst paedophiles has died in prison at the age of 90.
Gerald Ridsdale, a former Catholic priest who was convicted of abusing more than 70 children, died today in a Victorian jail, according to multiple reports.
Ridsdale had been in prison since 1994 after being convicted of abusing children in south and south-west Victoria.
READ MORE: Passenger plane with 80 people aboard crashes at Canadian airport
Paedophile priest Gerald Ridsdale appearing before the Royal Commission into Insitutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse via videolink from jail. (Supplied) Supplied
He was first sentenced for abusing children in his parish in 1993.
He pleaded guilty to dozens of charges relating to the sexual abuse of 72 children.
Ridsdale had a fall in 2022 and was left bed-ridden and was recommended to be placed into palliative care.
READ MORE: Passenger plane with 80 people aboard crashes at Canadian airport
A magistrate told Ridsdale in 2023 he would "probably die in custody" as he increased the then 89-year-old's jail term by one year for abusing his 72nd victim.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
