Bail Granted for Armidale Ex-Priest Accused of Molesting Children

By Stephen Jeffery
The Armidale Express
November 7, 2012

http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/story/736588/bail-granted-for-armidale-ex-priest-accused-of-molesting-children/?cs=469

The ex-priest facing child sex charges appeared in Armidale Local Court on Wednesday and was granted bail.

A FORMER Armidale priest accused of repeatedly sexually abusing three girls during the 1970s and 1980s has been granted bail.

The 59-year-old appeared in Armidale Local Court via audio visual link from the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre in Silverwater this morning.

He offered his house, valued at $230,000, as a surety, as well as $10,000 cash. His brother and sister will also contribute $5000 each in order for bail to be granted.

Magistrate Mark Richardson granted bail with strict conditions after determining the accused would spend too much time in custody while waiting for a trial to commence either next year or in 2014.

As part of his bail conditions, the man is prohibited from visiting Armidale except for medical reasons or court appearances and must report to a police station three times a week.

He is banned from school grounds and associating with people aged 16 and under. He is not allowed to approach his three accusers or other Crown witnesses, including through a third party.

Magistrate Richardson expressed concerns about the level of local public interest in the case, and flagged moving the matter to another jurisdiction.

However, he later said he had no problem continuing to hear the case in Armidale for the time being.

The former Catholic priest faces 25 charges relating to the alleged sexual abuse of three girls between 1975 and 1988. 

One of the girls was allegedly abused 16 times, from when she was five years old until she was 18.

The set of charges involving her are listed as an act of indecency against a girl under 16, four counts of indecent assault of a female, five counts of sexual assault, four counts of sexual assault/indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault/act of indecency

The other two girls were also allegedly abused multiple times during their childhood, one from the age of 11 until 15, and the other girl from the age of 10 to 11. 

The former priest will reappear in court on January 23. A brief will be served on December 21.

A nationwide non-publication order suppressing the man's identity and location of his residence was issued.