Former Catholic Principal Julian Fox Returns from Rome to Face Child Sex Charges
By Shannon Deery
FORMER Catholic principal Julian Fox has been charged with child sex crimes spanning two decades. The former Salesian College, Rupertswood, principal was charged with 10 offences this morning. The charges came after Fr Fox returned from Rome on Friday. Allegations have been levelled at the Salesian Order that they knowingly let Fr Fox relocate to Rome after accusations were made against him. Fr Fox moved to Fiji in 1999 before allegations of child sexual abuse were made public. He later moved to Rome, where he worked for the Salesian head office, 10km from the Vatican. In 2004 the Australian chapter was engulfed in global scandal after it was alleged local superiors moved priests accused of sexual assaults across international and state borders to evade authorities. Fr Fox is the third Salesian priest to be arrested in less than 12 months. Police allege he abused students at the college between 1976 and 1985. Detectives had been negotiating with the Catholic Church since July 2012 to have him returned from Rome. A police statement today said the return was a "breakthrough in co-operation between the Victoria Police and the Catholic Church". Fr Fox, 67, presented himself to police at Crime Command headquarters in St Kilda Rd. He has been charged with 10 offences, including buggery, indecent assault and common law assault. He has been bailed by police to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday. Contact: Shannon.deery@news.com.au
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