Defrocked Priest to Stand Trial over Child Sex

ABC News
January 23, 2013

www.abc.net.au/news/2013-01-23/defrocked-priest-to-stand-trial-over-child-sex/4480834

Former Catholic priest John Sidney Denham is accused of abusing several boys in the 1970s and 1980s.

A defrocked Hunter Valley Catholic priest has been committed to stand trial for child sexual offences.

John Sidney Denham, 70, is accused of abusing several boys in the 1970s and 1980s at various locations, including at a Newcastle Catholic high school.

He did not show emotion as he faced Newcastle Local Court today via video link from Goulburn jail.

He has waived his right for a committal hearing and is yet to enter pleas.

Last month, the court heard legal negotiations were delayed by a number of lockdowns at the jail.

Magistrate Ian Cheetham read out a long list of charges before committing Denham to stand trial for 41 child sexual offences.

He will face the District Court on January 31.