ABC News
August 27, 2008
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/08/27/2347718.htm?section=justin
The principal of Bathurst's St Stanislaus College says he is not aware of any current paedophile activity at the school.
John Edwards says he received information several years ago about alleged sexual misbehaviour at St Stanislaus during the 1980s, and forwarded it to police.
In May, police charged a 65-year-old former priest with 33 counts of sexual assault and gross acts of indecency against five boys.
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| Abuse investigation: St Stanislaus College in Bathurst |
Another eight men are now alleging similar abuse.
Mr Edwards says the allegations are "gravely concerning" and he hopes they are properly dealt with by the courts.
"It is absolutely a requirement for this matter to be open, for this matter to be addressed and this matter to be resolved," he said.
"This school is very concerned to ensure that children are treated well and that their interests are protected."
The commander of the Bathurst-based Chifley Command, Superintendent Michael Goodwin, says the investigation is ongoing.
"If there's anyone out there that is currently concerned they may be the subject of this particular investigation they are urged to come forward in the strictest confidence and contact CrimeStoppers," he said.
"These allegations happened some 20-odd years ago, there is absolutely no suggestion whatsoever that the college involved is/has been looking to anything in the current day.
"The college involved has been cooperating with the police completely with this inquiry."
Meanwhile the lawyer for the former priest accused of sexually abusing students says he has not seen any new claims against his client.
Lawyer Greg Walsh says he learned about the new claims through the media.
"I don't know anything about eight alleged other victims, I've not been served with any witness statements so I really can't comment about it," he said.
"I would be looking forward to being extended the basic courtesy of being served with some witness statements."
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