Father David Lancini: ‘No case to answer’ lawyers say over child sex accusations

A Townsville lawyer will seek to show there is no case to answer in a committal hearing for a renowned Catholic priest charged with alleged historical sexual offences.

Thuringowa Anzac Day March 2012. Father David Lancini.

A Townsville lawyer will seek to show there is no case to answer in a committal hearing for a prominent priest charged with alleged historical sexual offences.

Father David Lancini is pleading not guilty to eight counts of indecent treatment of a child under 14.

The renowned priest from the Townsville Catholic Diocese was again flanked by a large group of supporters before entering a courtroom to continue his fight, after police alleged the prominent figure engaged in sexual offences against a child.

Police have alleged the 77-year-old committed the sexual offences to one child between 1969 and 1971.

Fr Lancini appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning and his defence lawyer Andrew Peel said he now had permission to cross examine four witnesses at the committal hearing.

Mr Peel indicated that at the end of the committal he will be presenting an argument that there is no case to answer in this matter.

Magistrate Viviana Keegan set the committal hearing for May 28.

Fr Lancini, looking relaxed and smiling at court, has served 49 years as a Catholic priest in the Townsville Diocese, with 30 years spent in the Ministerial Region of Good Shepherd.

He also served in parishes in Charters Towers, Mount Isa and Ayr.

Late last year a spokesperson for the Catholic Diocese of Townsville said Fr Lancini denied any involvement in the alleged offences.

“Father Dave Lancini is currently not involved in any public ministry until such time as the legal proceedings have concluded,” the spokesperson said.

“The Diocese of Townsville has full confidence in the legal system.

“The Diocese of Townsville is committed to doing all it can to ensure victims of such abuse receive justice and healing.”

Originally published as Father David Lancini: ‘No case to answer’ lawyers say over child sex accusations