Townsville District Court urged to progress child abuse case of former priest Neville Joseph Creen

A former North Queensland priest charged with more than a dozen child abuse offences has had more alleged victims come forward as the case slowly progresses through court.

Neville Creen on bail after leaving Richlands Magistrates Court Watchhouse, Saturday, August 26, 2023 - Picture: Richard Walker

The former priest who practiced across North Queensland and faces charged of indecent treatment of children has had the alleged offences mentioned in court recently, with prosecution pleading for the case to progress.

Neville Joseph Creen has not yet entered pleas to the child abuse-related charges.

A lawyer from Legal Aid Queensland appeared in Townsville District Court on Friday morning on the man’s behalf and said there had been a “large disclosure of material” as he had been charged with more offences and that a new defence counsellor had to be “briefed” in regards to the case.

“The crown presented a new indictment at the last mention with five more complainants in relation to separate matters,” the lawyer said.

“They intend to have similar facts with respect to previous offences.”

Crown prosecutor Andrew Walklate said he wasn’t sure why a new defence counsellor had to be brought onto the case.

“We’ve been ready,” he said.

“There’s been a new indictment but that wasn’t a surprise to anyone.

“We have a number of complainants deeply affected by this and are routinely asking why there’s been a delay.”

While working as a priest, Mr Creen practiced across Mount Isa, Charters Towers and Townsville in the 60s and 80s within schools before his role ended in 1998.

Judge Gregory Lynham adjourned the man’s case to April 11 in Townsville court.

Originally published as Townsville District Court urged to progress child abuse case of former priest Neville Joseph Creen