‘Father Ron’: Catholic priest pleads not guilty to historical assault charges

A popular Catholic priest is facing indecent assault charges. He has pleaded not guilty and is currently suspended from the church.

Father Ronald Peters.

• MP: Dapto Station needs promised new lifts and a ‘fair go’
• Cost of living the top issue for Illawarra, South Coast voters

Father Ronald Peters, who taught at a Fairfield high school before becoming one of Illawara’s most popular Catholic priests, faced historical indecent assault charges this morning at Fairfield Local Court.

Mr Peters is alleged to have touched the crotch of a child under 16 on more than one occasion while he was a “teacher/counsellor” at Fairfield Patrician Brothers’ College in 1993.

His lawyer entered a plea of ‘not guilty’ on his behalf and his hearing has been expedited to take place in five weeks.

Ronald Peters - a Catholic priest known commonly as 'Father Ron' - leaves Fairfield Local Court on May 15, 2019.

Mr Peters, a 60-year-old who currently lives in Berkley, was arrested by Lake Illawara Police on March 19. They charged him with three aggravated indecent assault offences and one aggravated indecency offence.

It is alleged that Mr Peters, while working at Fairfield Patrician Brothers at the age of 34, “put his hand on the victim’s groin area in circumstances of aggravation, to wit”, according to a police fact sheet.

The alleged victim was a 15-year-old student under Mr Peters’ care at the time, the fact sheet states.

The school is treating the allegation seriously, Peter Wade said, the principal of Fairfield Patrician Brothers' College.

“Any issue of child abuse is distressing for the many people who are impacted and this impact cannot be minimised,” he said.

“While this matter is before the courts, we respect the privacy of all involved.

“However, ... we are committed to child safety and will continue to do all we can to ensure justice and support for survivors and victims of sexual abuse.”

Mr Peters – or as he’s commonly known in the Wollongong community, Father Ron – is currently suspended from the church.

Ronald Peters with his lawyer as they leave Fairfield Local Court.

He has worked as the chair of the Diocesan Schools Council and in many Illawarra school communities.

The Cathlic Diocese of Wollongong issued a statement following his court case.

“We understand the emotional impact this may have for anyone involved,” Bishop Brian Mascord said.

“Our desire is for a just outcome in this matter, and we will cooperate fully with the police and courts while respecting the rights and privacy of all parties involved.”

Mr Peters was ordained by Bishop Peter Ingham in 2005 and has briefly served in parishes in Ruse and Nowra.

He was appointed dean and administrator to the Wollongong Cathedral in 2006.

Since he was charged, the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong has removed his profile from its website and confirmed he is not currently working as parish priest at Fairy Meadow’s St John Vianney Church or adjoining Good Samaritan School.

In a letter sent home to Good Samaritan School parents in March, Catholic Diocese of Wollongong director of Schools Peter Turner said Mr Peters is “not currently actively involved” in any ministry, including working at any schools in the diocese.

Mr Peters will have his case heard at Fairfield Local Court on July 10.