Melbourne monk sentenced to 13 years for child abuse

Victims of a remorseless former Buddhist head monk who targeted young children have expressed disbelief as he was lauded by supporters while being led to prison.

Naotunne Vijitha, 71, closed his eyes as he was sentenced for sexually abusing girls as young as four at his temple.

Decades on from the monk’s “egregious” offending, Victorian County Court Judge Pardeep Tiwana on Thursday jailed Vijitha for a minimum of nine years and four months.

“People in positions of authority like you provide solace and direction to many,” Tiwana said.

“When that is betrayed, a significant term of imprisonment must follow.”

Inside the packed courtroom, Vijitha smiled, waved and spoke to supporters who bowed to him as he was being led out of the dock.

His victims sat watching on, with one labelling the support “ridiculous”.

“Oh my God, these people are insane. Do they not have ears?” she said.

The abuse began in 1994 after the Swedish national moved to Melbourne to become head monk of the Dhamma Sarana Buddhist temple at Springvale in Melbourne’s south-east.

It continued until 2002, after the temple relocated to Keysborough.

The six victims were aged between four and 12 years old when they were abused inside Vijitha’s living quarters, a prayer room and at Sunday school. He would lure children to the spaces with lollies, toys and books while their parents helped out at the temple.

He was found guilty on 17 of 19 charges of sexual penetration and committing an indecent act with a child under 16 by a jury in October 2025, and acquitted of two indecent act charges.

Several victims provided impact statements to the court, describing the lifelong trauma Vijitha’s abuse has had on them.

One woman, now in her 30s, said parts of her nine-year-old self would “never come back”.

“He didn’t just violate my body,” she previously told the court.

“He poisoned my faith that I was born into.”

Another victim said her greatest achievement in “the face of pure evil” was that she lived a life of kindness and empathy.

Judge Tiwana set a head sentence of 13 years and two months, describing how the monk used his power to exploit young children and “transgressed every boundary”.

“The parents had no concerns about the safety of their child in your presence,” he said.

“You betrayed this immense trust in the most unexpected way.”

Vijitha continues to deny any responsibility and has expressed no remorse, the judge said.

“I hope after hearing these victim impact statements, you are able to reflect on the turmoil you’ve caused on their lives,” he said.

He has spent 343 days in pre-sentence detention and faces deportation upon release.

1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028. Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.

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