Radio 3AW's Derryn Hinch knows what it is like to be falsely accused of sexual abuse

The mere charge of sexual abuse is capable of destroying a person's reputation and livelihood forever. Think of the case of the former Governor-General of Australia, Dr Peter Hollingworth, who was the victim of the most malicious media campaign Australia has witnessed. A good man was destroyed by the hatred of ideological bigots. A similar media assault was made on Cardinal Pell who, though he did not succumb, is also stained forever.

Herman Kelly's book, Kathy's Real Story: A Culture of False Allegations exposed, demonstrated how easy it is to weave a web of lies about sexual abuse. Kelly showed that Kathy O'Beirne's sordid story, Don't Ever Tell, a runaway bestseller, was a fabrication from beginning to the end. One of the priests falsely accused by O'Beirne died a broken man.

Two years ago a former business partner of Derryn Hinch publicly accused him of rape and sexual abuse. The accusations were relayed through all media instruments. The tabloid media went to town. Unlike Cardinal Pell, Hinch did not step aside until the allegations were proven false, illustrating once again the double standards when it comes to Catholic clergy.

Hinch said to his credit he was not going to lie down and take it. He would "fight the foul and calculated campaign with every breath I take, with every dollar, because nothing is worth more than your good name."

Today Hinch was vindicated. His accuser was forced to sign a statement which was read out in the Supreme Court of Victoria. She admitted there was no basis for her allegations and apologised. It was a terrible two-year ordeal for Hinch.

As much as I understand and sympathise with Hinch, I was filled with incomprehension as I listened to the account of his suffering and the relief he felt at being vindicated. I have said before that alcohol has surely addled Hinch's brain. Genuinely, I mean it. The long boozy lunches have had their price. His reasoning is sometimes so cockeyed it's hard to fathom.

Doesn't it occur to him that some people may see his sanctimonious and fanatical pursuit of Christians, particularly Catholics, as a "foul and calculated campaign"? How does he think Catholic clergy feel when a top-rating radio host tells his audience that most Catholic clergy are paedophiles, when this is nothing more than a criminal slander? How does he think we feel when his bigoted comments bring the crazies out of the woodwork to spew their hatred about the Catholic Church?

Six years ago I raised these issues. It is interesting even for me to read that comment now.

comments: gerardwilson01@optusnet.com.au