Former Carlingford Priest to Face 17 Sex Charges

By Robbie Patterson
Northern District Times
May 1, 2012

http://northern-district-times.whereilive.com.au/news/story/priest-arrested-over-sex-offences-allegations-in-ryde/

Father Finian Egan arriving at Ryde Police Station and being met by detectives to Picture: Tracee Lea Source: The Daily Telegraph

FOMER Priest at St Gerard Majella parish Carlingford, Father Finian Egan, 77, was arrested by police this morning and charged in regards to 17 child sex allegations dating back four decades.

The West Ryde-based Catholic Priest, attended Ryde Police Station with his legal representatives at 10am.

The offences allegedly occurred between 1972 and 1987, while he was appointed as a priest to parishes in Sydney and on the Central Coast.

He worked for twenty years, (1979 to 1999) as Parish Priest in charge of St Gerard Majella parish, Carlingford.

Allegations about him have been widely publicised over the past couple of years. As has his close friendship with Epping state Liberal MP and attorney general, Greg Smith.

He was taken into custody by detectives from Eastwood Local Area Command and questioned in relation to alleged sexual offences against four children.

He was subsequently charged with 17 offences and granted strict conditional bail to appear in Ryde Court on Wednesday, May 23.

Inquiries by Eastwood Detectives are ongoing.

THE CHARGES

* Three charges of Indecent Assault, relating to an alleged incident involving a 16-year-old girl at Carlingford in 1987;

*10 charges of indecent assault relating to an alleged incident involving a 11-year-old girl at Carlingford in 1979;

* One charge of indecent assault in relation to an alleged incident involving a 14-year-old boy at The Entrance in 1973; and

* Two counts of indecent assault, and one count of rape relating to an alleged incident involving a 17-year-old girl at The Entrance in 1972.

HOW THE CHARGES WERE LAID:

Eastwood Local Area Commander Supt Peter Marcon said the charges are all repealed charges under the Crimes Act 1900.

``These charges were laid as they would have been consistent with the laws at the time of the alleged offences being committed,” he said.

``In today’s terminology you have equivalent offences of Indecent Assault, Aggravated Indecent Assault, Sexual Intercourse without consent and Aggravated Sexual Assault.’’