Man on 57 Indecent Treatment Charges

Gold Coast Bulletin News
March 12, 2013

http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2013/03/12/448549_crime-and-court-news.html

A 77-year-old man believed to be a retired Catholic priest is facing almost 60 charges of sexually abusing children in Queensland, including on the Gold Coast.

The man is accused of indecently dealing with children in Brisbane, Logan and on the Gold Coast between 1977 and 1988.

The man, from Boronia Heights, is charged with 57 counts of indecent treatment of children and one count of common assault.

His case was mentioned in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court this morning, but the man was not required to appear. The matter was adjourned until May 13.

Outside court, the man's lawyer told reporters his client was ill, and was shocked and upset about the charges.

Broken Rites, a group that supports victims of sexual abuse in the Catholic church, said the man had been a priest since 1960.

AAP reports the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane said the man was a retired priest.

The archdiocese expects to issue a media statement later in the day, according to AAP.

Lawyer Jim Coburn said his client was in hospital but hoped to be able to attend the next court hearing.

"We will wait for a full brief of evidence before deciding whether to challenge the charges,'' he told reporters.

"Obviously he's concerned. He's looking forward to his day in court.''