By Louise Eddy
Western Advocate
August 27, 2008
http://bathurst.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/victims-urged-to-call-police/1256295.aspx
STRIKE Force Heador detectives are appealing for members of the public to come forward with information relating to an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at St Stanislaus’ College in the 1970s and 1980s.
Thirty-three charges have already been laid against 65-year-old former priest Brian Joseph Spillane, a teacher at the school during this time.
Spillane was charged in May and has been granted conditional bail. He will appear in Bathurst Local Court on September 15.
 |
| ALLEGATIONS: Police are investigating claims of sexual abuse of students at St Stanislaus’ College in the 1970s and 1980s. They have urged people to come forward with any information that may help them. Photo by CHRIS SEABROOK |
Strike Force Heador, based in Bathurst and manned by Bathurst detectives, began its investigation in August last year after a complaint was received. Those investigations are ongoing.
During a press conference yesterday, acting crime manager Inspector Lance McFawn said to date 13 people had reported matters to police and comprehensive statements had been taken.
He said these statements have greatly assisted the investigation.
Inspector McFawn said five people had come forward prior to Spillane’s arrest. Eight more were spoken to by police afterwards.
“These new allegations are very serious,” Inspector McFawn said.
However, he was unwilling to say whether or not it was likely further charges would be laid.
Inspector McFawn also refused to say how many people had been spoken to in the course of the investigation.
“This is a very sensitive and complex issue and I won’t discuss actual numbers,” he said.
“I will say the police investigation does not relate to current staff at the college. There are no allegations of recent offences. These matters are historic in nature,” Inspector McFawn said.
He added that authorities at the college have been assisting police who were very pleased with the co-operation given to them.
Inspector McFawn has asked that anyone with information that could assist with this ongoing investigation contact police.
“I understand it may be difficult to come forward, but I can assure everyone their information will be taken very seriously and in the strictest confidence,” Inspector McFawn said.
Strike Force Heador can be contacted on 6332 8699. Information can also be provided anonymously by phoning Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.