Priest Arrest Sparks Cover-up Inquiries

Sky News
October 18, 2012

http://www.skynews.com.au/topstories/article.aspx?id=807275


A former priest has been charged with 25 historical child sex offences, with police set to inquire into whether the Catholic Church took part in a cover-up.

The man was denied bail when he appeared in Armidale Local Court, in northern NSW, on Thursday, accused of repeatedly molesting three girls between 1979 and 1988.

Detectives from Strike Force Glenroe arrested him at his Armidale home about 6.30am (AEDT) following an ongoing investigation that began in July.

He faces up to 10 years in jail if found guilty of the offences.

Magistrate Mark Richardson denied his bail application and ordered the man's name not be published to protect the anonymity of the alleged victims.

The girls were as young as five, police said, and among the charges were 17 counts of sexual assault.

The man will remain in custody until his matter comes before the same court on November 7.

Sex Crimes Squad commander John Kerlatec said detectives had spoken to more than 50 people, and potential victims may have contacted police in previous years.

'We've looked at all cases and I am satisfied that all previous investigations that occurred were thorough and comprehensive,' Detective Superintendent Kerlatec told reporters on Thursday.

Det Supt Kerlatec also said Strike Force Glenroe would investigate whether the Catholic Church took any action to conceal allegations of abuse by the former priest.

'There are other aspects in the investigation which will touch on the matters that you raised,' he said in response to a question about a potential cover-up.

The victims expressed 'relief' at Thursday's arrest, he said.

He said police would not rule out further charges.

The Diocese of Armidale has been conducting its own investigation and has provided information to detectives.

Armidale Bishop Michael Kennedy would not comment on what the investigation had revealed.

'I again take this opportunity to extend my deepest sympathy to victims of child abuse and their families, and reassure the community of my commitment to see justice achieved,' Bishop Kennedy said in a statement on Thursday.