By Lisa Davies
The Daily Telegraph
September 1, 2009
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw-act/paedophilia-rampant-at-bathurst-schools-court-told/story-e6freuzi-1225768326688
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| Charges ... Brian Spillane Source: The Daily Telegraph |
THE evidence against former NSW priests accused of historical sexual assaults painted "a picture of rampant paedophilia" in Bathurst schools, a court heard today as one fights for his liberty.
A former Father at St Stanislaus College, Brian Joseph Spillane has been charged with a fourth round of offences relating to alleged sexual assaults at the prestigious school.
The charges relate to alleged sexual assaults on students at the school more than 20 years ago.
A number of the men charged were members of the Vincentian Order on the staff at the college in the 1970s and 1980s.
Spillane is now accused of a total of 146 charges of indecency and sexual abuse against 27 victims - three of whom were girls.
Crown Prosecutor Beth Walker today asked a Downing Centre Local Court to refuse bail on the new charges and revoke bail granted on the old ones.
"In my submission, the brief of evidence presents a picture of rampant paedophilia," she said, citing a string of corroborating witness statements.
So far Strike Force Belle, set up to investigate the claims, has charged nine priests with historical sexual and indecent assaults.
Spillane's barrister Philip Boulten SC is expected to mount a heavy case for his client to remain on bail this afternoon.
The hearing continues before Magistrate Jane Culver.
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