Former Priest to Stand Trial

By David Barwell
Coffs Coast Advocate
May 21, 2016

http://www.coffscoastadvocate.com.au/news/former-priest-stand-trial/3030214/

A FORMER Catholic priest charged with a string of historic child sex abuse offences will stand trial in Lismore next month.

John Patrick Casey has pleaded not guilty to charges relating to alleged sexual offences committed against two brothers, aged nine and 11, in 1985.

The 68-year-old was based at the Mary Help of Christians Primary School in Sawtell until the day before his arrest on July 9 last year.

Casey also worked as a part-time police chaplain, with his duties including conducting funerals and other religious services for police officers.

After three months behind bars, Casey was granted bail last October.

His solicitor had made an application to the Supreme Court of NSW, arguing his client had been subjected to threats by other inmates during his time in custody.

Casey's bail conditions stated he be placed under house arrest at a relative's property in Macksville.

He was ordered to report to police daily and not contact or approach the complainants.

Casey's charges include five counts of a sexual assault on a person under 16, four counts of sexual assault and committing an act of indecency.

His trial is listed to start on June 27 in the Lismore District Court.