Nsw Priest John Patrick Casey, Refused Bail over Alleged 1980s Child Sex Offences, Was Working at School before Arrest

ABC News
July 9, 2015

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-07-10/catholic-priest-nsw-refused-bail-child-sex-charges/6609584

PHOTO: John Patrick Casey was charged with nine historical child sex offences. (Supplied)

MAP: Kempsey 2440

A NSW Catholic priest and police chaplain denied bail over alleged child sex offences from 30 years ago was working at a primary school until his arrest yesterday.

John Patrick Casey faced the Port Macquarie Court this morning on nine offences.

They are alleged to have been committed against two brothers in the Lismore Diocese in 1985.

The diocese takes in the region from the Queensland border to Camden Haven, south of Port Macquarie.

More recently, the 67-year-old priest was based at the Mary Help of Christians Primary School in Sawtell until being taken into custody yesterday.

In court on Friday, a lawyer for Casey argued he should be granted bail because he had no prior convictions and was not a flight risk.

But the magistrate refused bail.

Bishop of Lismore, Reverend Geoffrey Jarrett, said Casey had stood down from his position.

"Yesterday NSW Police arrested a priest of the diocese, who was subsequently charged with a number of sexual abuse offences of a historical nature," Bishop Jarrett said.

"The priest has been stood aside effective immediately."

He said the Catholic Church was committed to fully supporting survivors of child sexual abuse within the diocese and was cooperating with the police investigation.

"As the matters are now before the court the diocese is unable to comment further on this particular matter at this time," he said.

The accused priest was to have read the homily at yesterday's commemorative service for two police officers gunned down at Crescent Head 20 years ago.

Senior Constable Robert Spears and Senior Constable Peter Addison were slain while responding to reports of a domestic violence incident.

Casey was the chaplain for the Mid North Coast Local Area Command at the time.

He also conducted Senior Constable Addison's funeral.

The case has been adjourned until September 15.