John Patrick Casey to stand trial for historic child sex offences
A former police chaplain and priest will stand trial to defend allegations of historic child sex offences.
Lismore
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A former priest and police chaplain who allegedly sexually abused a 14-year-old boy will stand trial after pleading not guilty to all charges.
John Patrick Casey, of Goonellabah, appeared before Judge Jonathan Priestley at Lismore District Court on Monday where he entered pleas of not guilty to two counts of sexual assault (category 4) and commit act of indecency.
The charges relate to an incident in the 1980s at Mallanganee.
Casey appeared confident and spoke firmly “Not guilty” from the dock when directed for responses to the allegations.
Police allege the former priest invited the child to his church property at Mallanganee – more than four decades ago – before sexually assaulting him.
Court documents state Casey allegedly “massaged” around the 14-year-old boy’s genital area and buttocks.
The Crown told the court the trial was estimated to take five days. Casey remains on bail with his trial scheduled for February.
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