Priest charged with child abuse
A Catholic priest has been charged with child abuse offences dating back 30 years.
Child Abuse Squad detectives have charged the 60-year-old man in relation to child abuse offences which are alleged to have occurred in the Peel District and North West Metropolitan District between 1983 and 1986.
Police will allege that the accused man, who was, and still is a Catholic Priest, met the victim through Church-related activities in the Peel District.
It will be further alleged the accused man abused his position of authority over the victim, who was aged between 15 and 17 years old at the time of the alleged offences, to perform indecent and sexual acts.
The accused man was aged between 30 and 32 years old at the time of the alleged offences.
The priest has been charged with four counts of unlawful and indecent assault, and one count each of attempted carnal knowledge and carnal knowledge against the order of nature.
The names of the charges are based on the legislation in place at the time of the alleged offences.
The accused is due to appear in the Rockingham Magistrates Court on October 24, 2013.
If you are or have been a victim of child abuse, or if you have information about someone being abused, contact police on 131 444.
