Ex-priest Facing Child Sex Charges in Court Again

Armidale Express
December 17, 2013

http://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/story/1978560/ex-priest-facing-child-sex-charges-in-court-again/?cs=471

A defrocked priest facing 139 historic child sex assault charges is set to face court today where he may enter a plea to some charges.

The 59-year-old former priest cannot be named for legal reasons.

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At his last appearance it was decided a plea offer would be served on the Crown by the defence for reply today.

It was indicated the man would likely face trial in relation to two of eleven alleged victims due to a lack of agreement on the facts between the Crown and the defence.

Of the man’s 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 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.