Retired Catholic Priest Facing 50 Child Sex Abuse Charges 'Too Ill'

By Thomas Chamberlin
Herald Sun
August 19, 2013

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/retired-catholic-priest-facing-50-child-sex-abuse-charges-8216too-ill8217-to-appear-in-court-lawyer-claims/story-fnii5v70-1226699761337

A RETIRED Catholic priest facing more than 50 child sex abuse charges says he is still too ill to appear in court.

The Father, 77, who taught in southeast Queensland schools in the 1970s and 1980s, is accused of abusing girls and boys under the age of 16.

Detectives earlier this year charged the man with 57 counts of indecent treatment of children and one count of common assault relating to offences alleged to have taken place between 1977 and 1988.

The retired priest, who cannot be named, did not appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Monday and his lawyer Barry Ryan tendered a medical certificate to excuse his client's appearance.

It was the fourth time the matter was adjourned since the first mention on March 12.

After that adjournment his then lawyer Jim Coburn said his client was in poor health but did not detail his sickness.

Outside of court today an alleged victim said the court process had been frustrating.

"I feel there is going to be no conclusion to this whatsoever," the alleged victim said.

The matter was adjourned to September 30.

Outside court Mr Ryan declined to comment.