Melbourne Buddhist Monk Convicted of Child Sexual Abuse

A senior Buddhist monk in Melbourne has been found guilty of multiple counts of child sexual abuse, following a four-week trial that has drawn attention across Australia’s religious and multicultural communities.

Naotunne Vijitha Thero, 70, the chief monk of the Dhamma Sarana Buddhist Temple in Keysborough, was convicted by a Victorian County Court jury on 17 charges relating to the sexual abuse of six girls aged between four and twelve. Two additional charges were dismissed.

Judge Pradeep Tiwana ordered that the monk be remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for December.

According to court evidence, the offences occurred between the mid-1990s and early 2000s, beginning soon after the monk’s arrival from Sri Lanka in 1994. The incidents reportedly took place at the temple’s previous location in Springvale and later at its current premises in Keysborough.

Throughout the proceedings, Vijitha Thero denied all allegations, but after hearing detailed testimonies from victims and witnesses, the jury found him guilty of 17 charges. The court described the victims’ evidence as credible, consistent, and compelling, noting that several of them had independently recalled similar incidents.

The offences were said to have taken place within temple premises, including meditation halls, residential quarters, and Sunday Dhamma school rooms. The court heard that the monk at times offered food or small gifts to the children after the incidents.

One survivor testified that she was nine years old when she was first abused. Her mother told the court, through tears, that she was deeply shaken when her daughter revealed what had happened years later. Another victim recalled being around eight years old when she was assaulted, saying that she later destroyed a gift the monk had given her as a reminder of the event.

Prosecutors emphasised the breach of trust and spiritual authority at the heart of the case, noting that the accused had been regarded as a respected religious figure in the community. The temple’s website had previously described him as a popular teacher who maintained “a close rapport with children.”

The Buddhist monastic code, or Vinaya, strictly prohibits sexual conduct and mandates adherence to principles of non-harm, truthfulness, and moral restraint. During the trial, the court accommodated the monk’s dietary observances by allowing a short midday break for his single daily meal.

Following the verdict, community members have expressed sorrow and concern for the victims and the wider Buddhist congregation. Many called for reflection, accountability, and renewed safeguarding measures within religious institutions.

Vijitha Thero will reappear in court in December for sentencing, where he faces a potential prison term and possible deportation from Australia.