Ex-Priest on Child Sex Charges Closer to Trial

By Victoria Nugent
The Armidale Express
November 6, 2013

http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/story/1890378/ex-priest-on-child-sex-charges-closer-to-trial/?cs=12

A former priest facing historic child sex assault charges is expected to stand trial in relation to two of the alleged victims.

A DEFROCKED priest facing historic child sex assault charges is expected to stand trial in relation to two of 11 alleged victims.

He faced Armidale Local Court today.

Crown prosecutor Peter Woods told the court there was “substantial agreement” in relation to the facts regarding nine of the alleged victims and a plea offer would be made.

“In relation to two victims, there is no agreement and we expect those matters to go to trial,” he said.

Mr Woods said the defence and the Crown were agreed on a number of facts relating to certain charges.

“There is a great deal of agreement but there are a few there that we’re distinctly not in agreement on,” he said.

The court heard there was a written plea offer in relation to nine of the alleged victims currently in draft form, which should be submitted to the Crown by next Friday, November 15.

The Crown was ordered to respond to the offer by December 18.

The 59-year-old former priest, who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces 139 charges.

Of the charges, 74 relate to the alleged sexual abuse of three girls and six altar boys during the 1970s and 1980s and 64 relate to the alleged abuse of a further two girls and one altar boy in Moree and Armidale in the early 1980s.

Another relates to the incorrect storage of a firearm.

The court heard a section 91 application, which directs witnesses to attend court, will be made in regards to two alleged victims.

The application is to be filed and served by December 18.

The man will next appear in court on that date.

A non-publication order on the man’s identity will continue.

Bail and three interim apprehended violence orders will also continue.

The former priest has not yet entered a plea.

The man’s bail conditions prevent him from visiting Armidale except for legal or medical reasons.

He is also forbidden to approach Crown witnesses, his accusers or people aged under 16.