A former Roman Catholic priest who spent most of his tenure in western Newfoundland has a plea date set for Aug. 25 on sex charges.

Bernard Buckle had his lawyer appear on his behalf in Stephenville Provincial Court on Monday when the time of the plea date was set. He faces three charges of sexual assault.

Buckle, who is now 81 years of age, was born and grew up in Corner Brook before being ordained a priest in 1961 in Corner Brook. After ordination he was appointed assistant priest at Stephenville, where he remained for eight years. In 1969 he became parish priest of Lourdes where he remained for 10 years. He then became parish priest of St. Alban's in 1979 and remained there for five years, after which he was appointed priest of St. Stephen's Parish in Stephenville.

Const. Justin Deluney of the Bay St. George RCMP would only say the charges against the former priest are “historical” and wouldn’t give any further details, including where the alleged offences occurred or the age of the complainants at the time.