Former Priest Re-appears at Armidale Local Court

By Catherine Clifford
ABC News
February 21, 2014

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-21/former-priest-re-appears-at-armidale-local-court/5276472?§ion=news

A 60-year-old former Catholic priest, facing multiple child sex abuse charges dating back four decades, has re-appeared at Armidale Local Court.

The defrocked member of the clergy, who can't be named for legal reasons, is currently charged with 137 historic child sexual assault offences.

It's alleged the offences were committed in the 1970s and 1980s against three girls and six boys at unspecified locations in Armidale, Moree, Narrabri and Inverell.

On Wednesday, at Armidale Local Court, Magistrate Karen Stafford expressed her frustration at delays occurring in the case, especially the fact that a plea is yet to be entered.

Her Honour encouraged both the Director of Public Prosecutions and counsel for the accused to finalise their submissions.

Three separate AVOs taken out by three of the victims were finalised, with the accused ordered not to make contact for five years.

Bail is continued.

The matter's been adjourned to Armidale Local Court for mention on March 19.