Pedophile priest’s sentencing delayed again

The sentencing of a former priest who pleaded guilty last March to sexually abusing three altar boys has been put off.

This is the second time sentencing of Donald Grecco has been adjourned due to health problems.  It was originally supposed to happen June third.

Friday, Grecco’s attorney Brian Donnelley said his client is in hospital recovering from surgery he had Monday.  Recovery is expected to take anywhere from four to 12 weeks.

This comes just one day after the Vatican put out new guidelines to deal with priests who sexually abuse children.  Those guidelines extend the statute of limitations on abuse from ten to 20 years.

Greccos case goes back more than 30 years.  He pleaded guilty to gross indecency for sexually abusing three altar boys between 1978 and 1986.  Grecco is an ex-pastor at St Stephen’s in Cayuga, St Alexander in Fonthill, St Thomas More in Niagara Falls, and St Kevin’s in Welland.

Crown attorney Greg Smith voiced concerns that the victims want the matter resolved as soon as possible.

A court date has been set for August 30th to determine a new sentencing date, depending on Grecco’s recovery.