AUSTRALIA
The Australian

THE first Australian priest to be charged with covering up sex abuse by another priest has died in hospital before his matter could be heard in court.

Hunter Valley priest Father Tom Brennan was too unwell to appear when his case was due for a first mention in court last week.

He died last night following a long battle with cancer, the ABC reported.

Earlier this year, the 74-year-old became the first member of the Australian Catholic clergy to be charged with failing to report sexual abuse by another priest.