Accused child sex offender released on bail

By David Barwell
Coffs Coast Advocate
October 13, 2015

http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/accused-released-on-bail/2805036/

A FORMER Catholic priest facing a string of historic child sex abuse charges has been released on bail.

John Patrick Casey, 67, who served as a priest for the Mary Help of Christians Parish at the time of his arrest on July 9, appeared in Lismore Local Court on October 6 for the mention of his nine charges.

The charges relate to sexual offences allegedly committed against two brothers, aged nine and 11, in 1985.

Magistrate David Heilpern adjourned Casey's matters to November 3 and bail was refused.

On October 8, Casey's solicitor made another application to the Supreme Court of NSW for bail, arguing his client had been subjected to threats by other inmates during his time in custody.

This application for bail was granted by Justice Peter Hidden.

Casey's bail conditions state he will be placed under house arrest at a relative's property in Macksville and must report to Macksville police daily.

He is also not to contact or approach the complainants.

Casey's family offered $400,000 as bail surety.