Historic child sex abuse case adjourned while negotiations over charges continue

ABC News
May 20, 2015

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-05-20/historic-child-sex-abuse-case-adjourned-while-negotiations-over/6483386

A former Hunter Valley Catholic brother, extradited from New Zealand to face child sexual abuse charges, has had his case adjourned to allow for ongoing negotiations.

Bernard Kevin McGrath, 67, is facing 252 child sex offences relating to 35 victims and dating back to the 1970s.

The alleged offences happened in the Lake Macquarie region, near Newcastle.

McGrath's case was mentioned briefly in Newcastle Local Court today.

There is an enormous police brief of about 8,000 pages and the court was told negotiations are continuing relating to the charges.

The court heard there is outstanding material, including a statement from the police officer in charge and so called tendency evidence.

The matter has been adjourned to June 17.