Accused sex abuse priest charged
A 73-year-old Catholic brother has been accused of sexually assaulting four children at a Melbourne school more than 30 years ago.
US-born Bernard Hartman is facing 14 charges relating to sexual assaults on two boys and two girls at St Paul's College in Altona.
The alleged attacks occurred between 1976 and 1982 when Hartman worked at the school, on victims aged between six and 16.
The Melbourne Magistrates' Court heard on Wednesday that the alleged assaults occurred at both the school in Melbourne's west and at the victims' homes.
Hartman returned to the US in 1984 but voluntarily flew into Melbourne Airport on Wednesday to face the charges.
Deputy chief magistrate Dan Muling granted Hartman bail but he will be held in custody until he is issued with a criminal justice visa.
The court heard the victims first came forward to police in 2003, with more allegations made in 2012.
When released, Hartman must stay at a home in Parkville and report to police three times a week.
