Blenheim-based priest removed from duty

NZCity
September 14, 2014

http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=193634&fm=newsmain%2Cnarts

A Catholic priest based in Blenheim has been removed from his duties after a police investigation.

Police have charged Aidan Kay, a priest at St Mary's Catholic Parish in Blenheim, with an offence following a complaint made to police, Catholic Archbishop John Dew said in a statement.

"As this case is due before the courts no further details will be discussed," he said.

Parishioners were informed about the situation at mass on Sunday. The announcement was greeted with gasps and some parishioners cried, The Marlborough Express reported.

The 71-year-old priest is expected to be in court on Tuesday on an indecent assault charge, the newspaper reported.