John Sidney Denham, 73, was sentenced to 13 years and 10 months in jail in 2010 for offences against 39 boys in the Hunter and Taree areas.

Fairfax Media reported on Saturday that Denham’s sentence was extended to a minimum of 19 years and five months in jail on Friday after he was convicted of offences against an extra 18 boys between the 1960s and 1980s.

Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle Bishop Bill Wright released a statement on the weekend in response to the district court’s findings.

He said the diocese continued to be saddened by the actions of Denham.

Bishop Wright said Denham had caused terrible harm to many innocent lives in the Hunter and Taree areas.

He said the diocese would carefully consider Justice Helen Syme’s judgement in full, when it could be obtained.

“The diocese continues to demonstrate its commitment to protect children through the funding of Zimmerman Services and the policies, procedures and staff training that are in place,” Bishop Wright said. 

“I continue to personally promote the importance of each individual’s responsibility in reporting suspected abuse. 

“The quality of the diocese’s ongoing cooperation with police has been the subject of evidence given to Cunneen Special Commission of Inquiry.”