Former Northern Rivers priest John Patrick Casey charged with child sexual assault at Mallanganee in Kyogle area
The harrowing details of allegations against a former priest have been revealed after a successful legal fight to have him named.
Police & Courts
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A former priest and police chaplain who allegedly sexually abused a 14-year-old boy has been revealed as Goonellabah resident John Patrick Casey.
Police allege the 74-year-old former priest invited the child to his church property at Mallanganee in 1982 – more than four decades ago – before sexually assaulting him.
Casey has been charged with two counts of sexual assault (category 4) and commit act of indecency in 1982 at Mallanganee.
The charge sheet states Casey allegedly “massaged between the anus and testicles until ejaculating” with a boy aged 14.
The charge sheet alleges he also “massaged the boy’s buttocks and between his anus and scrotum”.
The third charge is one count of non-consensual sex with a person under 16.
The documents allege Casey had sex with the same boy, aged 14, without consent and knowing he had not consented.
Casey’s bail has been refused.
Police began investigating the incident in November 2021 after allegations were raised.
Casey was arrested on October 18 and taken to Casino Police Station.
Last Friday, Magistrate Kathy Crittenden granted News Corp’s application to lift a non-publication order, saying there was no evidence it was necessary.
“The non-publication order should only be made in exceptional circumstances,” Ms Crittenden said.
She said it was important public interest in open justice was safeguarded.
She described open justice as fundamental to the Australian justice system, but also spoke of the right to a fair trial.
Casey will face trial, which Ms Crittenden said likely would not be listed for at least a year.
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