Former Capuchin friar charged

Catholic Leader
May 24, 2016

http://catholicleader.com.au/news/former-capuchin-friar-charged

POLICE have appealed to any victims of child abuse to come forward following a court appearance of a former Capuchin friar named at the child abuse royal commission.

Former priest Anthony Francis “Damian” Colbourne, an ex-member of the Capuchin Friars, faced Wynnum Magistrates Court on May 23 — across the road from the Guardian Angels Primary School – over the alleged abuse of an eight-year-old girl multiple times in the mid-1970s. Colbourne is facing 13 child sex charges.

Arresting officer, Detective Sergeant Michael Froggatt, urged anyone with relevant information to contact their nearest police station or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“These might be 40-year-old (alleged) offences but these charges demonstrate that police will be tenacious in our pursuit of alleged child sex offenders,’’ he said.

The commission has so far referred 1050 people, including clergy, to police.