Fox Accuses Priest of Omitting Details from Police Statement

By Elle Watson
Maitland Mercury
July 3, 2013

http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/1613908/fox-accuses-priest-of-omitting-details-from-police-statement/?cs=12

A Commission of Inquiry into child sexual abuse in the Hunter has heard a priest omitted significant detail from his police statement after an abuse victim told him the clergy was committing "filthy" acts against children. 

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Fox resumed his evidence this morning and told the inquiry he spoke to Father Bob Searle in May 2003 after a victim went to his Nelson Bay presbytery and accused priests of paedophilia. 

Chief Inspector Fox said Father Searle told him the upset man yelled from outside the presbytery, claiming priests were doing "filthy things" to young boys. 

When it came time for Father Searle to make an official statement he left out the incident. 

Chief Inspector Fox questioned the priest about the omission but he denied recounting the victim's accusation. 

The inquiry continues.