Wa Priest Faces Child Abuse Charges

Sky News
September 27, 2013

http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/wa-priest-faces-child-abuse-charges/story-fnii5tho-1226728614461

A CATHOLIC priest has been charged with historic child sex abuse offences alleged to have occurred in the mid-1980s.

Child Abuse Squad detectives charged the 60-year-old in relation to alleged sexual acts that occurred between 1983 and 1986 in the Peel and North West Metropolitan Districts.

It will be alleged the accused man - who was and still is a Catholic priest - met the victim through church-related activities in the Peel District.

Police will further allege the priest abused his position of authority over the victim, who was aged between 15 and 17 years old at the time, to perform indecent and sexual acts.

The accused was aged between 30 and 32 years old when the alleged offences occurred.

The priest’s charges are based on the laws of the time.

He will face Rockingham Magistrates Court on October 24, charged with unlawful and indecent assault, and one count each of attempted carnal knowledge and carnal knowledge against the order of nature.

If you are or have been a victim of child abuse, or if you have information about someone being abused, contact police on 131 444.