Max Davis...

Perth Now
July 25, 2014

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/max-davis-first-australian-bishop-charged-with-child-sex-offence-in-court-over-charge-dating-back-to-1969-in-new-norcia/story-fnhocxo3-1227001609983

Bishop Max Davis, who appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court for alleged sex offences.

Max Davis, first Australian bishop charged with child sex offence, in court over charge dating back to 1969 in New Norcia

THE head of the Catholic Church’s military diocese has briefly appeared in court charged with child sex offences dating back to 1969.

West Australian Police allege Bishop Max Davis, 68, indecently assaulted a 13-year-old boy while he was teaching at St Benedict’s College in New Norcia, northeast of Perth.

It is understood he is the first Australian bishop and the most senior Australian church official to be charged with a child sex offence.

He has been charged with three counts of indecently dealing with children aged under 14. Davis, who now lives in the ACT, was not an ordained priest when the incident is alleged to have occurred, and he emphatically denies the charge.

On Friday in the Perth Magistrates Court, Davis’ lawyer requested that his client not be required to turn up in person at his next appearance on October 17 and any other date that his presence was not essential because he resided in Canberra.

The magistrate granted the request and agreed that Davis should only need to report to Belconnen Police Station.

Davis has stood aside from his duties while the matter is being dealt with by the court.