AUSTRALIA
Broken Rites
By a Broken Rites researcher (article updated on 7 November 2013)
A former Catholic priest (aged 60 in 2013), who is charged with sexual offences against children in towns (including Moree and Armidale) in northern New South Wales, appeared in Armidale Local Court again on 6 November 2013 for an administrative procedure. The prosecutors and the defence have reached “substantial agreement” in relation to the facts regarding nine of the eleven alleged victims and the defence team is expected to submit a written plea-offer in relation to these nine, the court was told. There might need to be a trial regarding the tenth and eleventh victims.
The ex-priest is charged with a total of 138 sexual offences against boys and girls.
These charges relate only to those alleged victims who have spoken to a special team of detectives (named Strike Force Glenroe) in the NSW Police. The investigation is continuing and detectives are prepared to hear from any more persons who have information about this matter.
The court decided to continue (until further notice) a non-publication order regarding the ex-priest’s name and residential details. This non-publication order can be reviewed at an approprite stage in the prosecution process.
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