Wa Marist Brother Accused of Assaulting Boy, 10

By Danielle Le Messurier
PerthNow
July 29, 2016

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/wa-marist-brother-accused-of-assaulting-boy-10/news-story/2a9c00fe0644dde76be9e3569b954328

A FORMER Marist brother has been charged over the alleged indecent assault of a 10-year-old boy at a WA primary school.

Police will allege the man, now 73, was employed as a teacher when he indecently assaulted the boy for the first time in 1982.

He was arrested by Rockingham Detectives and charged with two counts of indecent treatment of a child under 14 years of age.

The man is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on July 29.

In a statement, the Marist Brothers’ Province of Australia said the allegations were serious and appropriately before the courts.

“Out of respect for the judicial process now underway and for all parties, the Marist Brothers’ Australia Province cannot comment beyond what has been issued by the WA Police,” sthe statement read.”

“We will cooperate fully with any investigation. More broadly, we urge any person who may hold any evidence of criminal conduct to take that to the police for the appropriate independent investigation.

“Further, we reiterate our sincere and unreserved apology to any person who has suffered as a result of past abuse.”

If you are or have been a victim of child abuse, or if you have information about someone being abused, please contact police on 131 444.