Gozo Bishop Mario Grech said today that he had followed the protocols laid down by Church and Civil law in the case revealed yesterday of a priest who allegedly defiled three girls.

In a brief statement, Mgr Grech said any case of sexual abuse of minors deeply hurt the Church and society.

As bishop, he was close to the alleged victims and their their families. He recognised that he had duties to all priests, even those who made mistakes, as well as the people of God, particularly children.

In this case, he said, he had followed the protocols indicated by church and civil law and would continue to do so in other cases.

Meanwhile, informed sources said the police are planning to appeal the Gozo court decision granting bail to the priest, who stands accused of defiling three girls.

It is understood the allegations relate to incidents that took place some years ago in Gozo.

The priest was also a teacher in a boys' school in Malta.