By Gillian Cannon and Richard Maxton
LiveNews
August 14, 2009
http://livenews.com.au/news/catholic-church-bails-father-robert-fuller-charged-with-grooming-13yearold-for-sex/2009/8/14/216183
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This is a clear abuse of a position of authority within the church, particularly as the defendant is in a position of having unvetted access to (children).
The Catholic Church has stood down a Sydney priest charged with grooming a teenager for sex over the internet, despite helping to secure his release from custody.
Father Robert Fuller is accused of communicating with a 13-year-old girl in Internet chats rooms over the past three weeks.
But what the Liverpool All Saints Parish priest did not realise was the teenager was actually a police officer.
It is alleged the 54-year-old masturbated in front of a webcam and encouraged the assumed teenager to do the same, before arranging a meeting in Parramatta yesterday.
But Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec said when Fuller arrived at the meeting point, he found officers waiting for him.
"He was shocked that it was our police there to meet him instead of a 13-year-old girl."
Police prosecutor Sergeant Kai Peninkilampi told Parramatta Local Court Fuller the allegations were especially disturbing, given the priest's position.
"This is a clear abuse of a position of authority within the church, particularly as the defendant is in a position of having unvetted access to (children)."
Father Fuller's solicitor Greg Walsh argued his client had no history of predatory behaviour.
"There's no suggestion in the facts ... that any child who has, before this alleged behaviour, been put at risk or preyed upon by this man."
While admitting the prosecution's case is extremely strong, Magistrate Peter Miszalski decided to grand the priest bail.
The Catholic Church's posted his $25,000 surety and offered a holiday unit in Terrigal on the NSW central coast for him to stay.
However Cardinal George Pell has described the news as appalling and distressing and immediately stood down Father Fuller from his ministry.
"This is appalling and distressing news. I share the concern and alarm of parishioners, and particularly of parents and the school community.
"I can assure them that the safety of children in our parishes and schools is paramount, and the Archdiocese will co-operate fully with the police in relation to this and any other investigation into abuse at anytime."
Fuller has been ordered to not access the internet, stay away from children and be supervised by another priest.
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