Lismore Diocese Priest Denied Bail for Child Sex Offences

Daily Examiner
July 10, 2015

http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/news/lismore-diocese-catholic-priest-denied-bail-for-ch/2701980/

John Patrick Casey.

A CATHOLIC priest and police chaplain from the Lismore Diocese, which includes Grafton, has been denied bail in the Port Macquarie Court this morning.

John Patrick Casey was charged with historical child sex offences, allegedly committed against two brothers aged nine and 11 in 1985.

Until yesterday, the 67-year-old priest was based at the Mary Help of Christians Primary School in Sawtell.

The ABC reported that in the courtroom, Casey's lawyer 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, told the ABC 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.

Father 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.