A woman is suing Hillsong for an indecent assault by a church employee, according to a startling accusation made in court. A woman suing Hillsong Church for an indecent assault fled Australia before critical documents were ready, a court has heard.
Who is Anna Crenshaw?
Anna Crenshaw, 26, was sexually raped by Hillsong Church staffer Jason Mays while she was only 18 years old. In 2020, Mays pled guilty to one count of indecent assault and was sentenced to two years of conditional release. Ms Crenshaw claimed in her statement that the church’s carelessness and breach of contract caused her harm.
New Witness Claimed for Hillsong Church Incident:
The parties agreed in principle earlier this month before a court trial, but it was called off days later. On Monday, lawyer Kelvin Andrews told the court that it was believed the matter would be resolved “subject to certain writings.” The court was informed that Ms Crenshaw, a US resident, was in transit when the materials were available. Despite Ms Crenshaw’s return home since then, Mr Andrews claimed he couldn’t explain why he hadn’t received any orders. Justice Peter Garling criticized the matter’s delay, saying it generated “a great deal of frustration” in court.
Only a few days later, the contract fell through due to what Ms Crenshaw’s lawyer described as a “disagreement between the parties.” Outside court, Ms Crenshaw stated that the settlement was conditioned on her agreeing not to speak further about the case. “We were unable to come to a settlement today because Hillsong changed their plan in a ploy to intimidate me,” she stated. “This has never been about money for me but about justice and accountability, which was not received this week.” The former Hillsong pastor is seeking damages, aggravated damages, and exemplary damages in her complaint. In April or May 2016, the US native was assaulted while studying at Hillsong College in Australia.
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