Former Priest to Stand Trial on Rape and Indecent Assault Charges

By Emily Portelli and Shannon Deery
Herald Sun
November 16, 2012

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/law-order/bid-to-gag-reporting-on-accused-former-priest-charged-with-child-sex-offences/story-fnat79vb-1226518331444

Former priest David Rapson is accused of child sex offences. Herald Sun

A FORMER priest who allegedly drugged then raped students at a Catholic boys' school will face the charges against him at trial.

David Rapson, 59, allegedly abused seven boys between 1973 and 1990 at various schools including Salesian College Rupertswood, in Sunbury.

Magistrate Gregory McNamara today committed Rapson to stand trial after a four-day hearing in which previous students gave evidence about the alleged offences.

“I’m satisfied there is evidence of sufficient weight to support convictions in relation to all of these charges,” Mr McNamara said.

The former college vice-principal is charged with one count each of rape and gross indecency and a string of indecent assault charges against seven complainants.

In documents tendered to the court this week, former students, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said Rapson gave them Milo and lemonade, which made them groggy, and sexually assaulted them.

Another alleged victim said the former priest plied him with scotch and groped him.

The Herald Sun revealed last year up to seven priests and brothers at the college have been linked to secret payouts to students who alleged they were abused between the 1960s and the 1990s.

Victims of the men at the centre of the scandal accused the Salesian priests of a 40-year cover-up.

The trial is scheduled to begin on August 12 and is expected to last 20 days.

Rapson's bail was extended and varied, with conditions preventing overseas travel added.

He will appear at the County Court for a directions hearing on December 11