Father Adrian McInerney maintains he did not know the notorious south-west paedophile was sexually abusing children when he and now Cardinal George Pell supported the priest at his first court appearance in 1993.

“Up until then I have to confess that in certain areas I had some admiration for him because of his ability,” Father McInerney told the child sexual abuse royal commission in Ballarat yesterday.

“He had abilities in adult education and I even — this does sound preposterous — but I even had admiration for what he did for youth.”

Father McInerney recalled seeing Ridsdale had a small billiard table and a TV screen for playing games in his lounge room.

“He said ‘oh, it’s for the young people of the parish’, and I thought what a good idea, why don’t I do something like that.”

Father McInerney agreed the set-up was actually a trap to lure children so he could molest them.

“When I looked at the charges at the trial I looked back and, well, I was horrified that that’s what they were there for.”

He said Ridsdale told him it was a minor court matter. Neither Ridsdale nor his lawyer told him it was sex offences, and he didn’t ask.

Father McInerney could not explain why he still provided a character reference for Ridsdale, despite being shocked when the indecent assault charges against eight boys were read out.

Father McInerney said then Ballarat Bishop Ronald Mulkearns had to take “some responsibility” for Ridsdale offending under his watch.

He agreed the culture of the church contributed to a number of paedophile priests operating in the Ballarat diocese, saying it was not sufficiently vigilant and prepared to listen.

Father McInerney said Ridsdale took advantage of his naivety and tricked him into speaking on his behalf.

Ridsdale is scheduled to give evidence today.