Accused Priest Returns from Rome to Face Child Sex Charges

By Wayne Flower
Daily Telegraph
April 22, 2013

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/accused-priest-returns-from-rome-to-face-child-sex-charges/story-e6freuy9-1226625818941

A CATHOLIC priest who moved to Rome after years of allegedly committing child sex offences in Victoria has returned to face justice.

Taskforce Sano detectives arrested the priest today in relation to alleged historic child sexual abuse matters committed between 1976 and 1985 in Sunbury and Ferntree Gully.

Police had been negotiating with the Catholic Church over the man’s return since July last year.

The priest’s return to Victoria is seen as a major a breakthrough in co-operation between Victoria Police and the Catholic Church.

The 67-year-old man, along with his legal representative, presented himself to police at Crime Command Headquarters at St Kilda Rd.

The Ascot Vale man 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 April 26.