Catholic bishop faces child sex charges

Catholic bishop faces child sex charges

A Catholic bishop will stand trial in August charged with historic child sex offences.

Max Leroy Davis has been charged with four counts of committing indecent practices between males in public and four counts of unlawfully and indecently dealing with a child under 14.

In Perth Magistrate's Court this morning, defence lawyer Seamus Rafferty entered pleas of not guilty to all of the charges.

It is understood the charges relate to two complainants.

Bishop Davis, 68, allegedly abused the boys in 1969 when he was teaching at St Benedict’s College in New Norcia.

He is believed to be the first Australian bishop and the most senior Australian church official to be charged with child sex offences.

Bishop Davis was not required to appear in court today.

He will appear in the District Court on August 7.