Father David Lancini has child sex charges dropped in Townsville Magistrates Court

A North Queensland priest who was accused of sexually abusing a boy while he was still serving in the Townsville Catholic Diocese more than 50 years ago has had all charges abandoned as a court was told the allegations were “fabricated” and “misleading”.

Father Dave Lancini

The legal team who represented a North Queensland Catholic priest have claimed the allegations made against him were “fabricated” and “misleading” before having all charges officially dismissed.

A Townsville court room erupted in applause as dozens of people came to show their support for Father David Leonard Lancini who simply said “thank you very much” to Magistrate Viviana Keegan after he learned the charges were officially dismissed.

The retired priest was originally charged with eight counts of indecent treatment of a child under 14, and has always denied the accusations.

Father David Lancini. Picture: Evan Morgan

On May 28, police prosecutor Tim Madsen said the prosecution offered no evidence to all of the charges.

Defence barrister Justin Greggery KC who was instructed by Andrew Peel from Purcell Taylor Lawyers, told the court Fr Lancini provided proof from the outset that he was a Brisbane resident at the time the “false” allegations were alleged to have occurred.

“Despite this evidence, he was arrested months later,” Mr Greggery said.

He said the statement provided to police was “fabricated” and the man who accused Fr Lancini of the abuse did not originally identify him in initial reports, but was sent internet images of the retired priest by a woman who Mr Greggery said had a “vendetta” against him.

“She publicly pursued in an online vendetta against (Fr Lancini),” the defence barrister said.

“She posted a public statement ‘Bystander priest I am coming for you now’.”

Father David Lancini has child sex charges dropped in Townsville Magistrates Court. Picture: Nikita Mcguire

The court was told throughout his 50 years serving the region he had an “unblemished” character and since the charges suffered significantly.

“It is only appropriate for prosecution to take one course and discontinue the charges,” Mr Greggery said.

One woman who came to the courthouse to show her support for Fr Lancini told the Townsville Bulletin the charges were “bullsh-t” from the beginning, and in the 27 years she had known him, and never heard any negativity surrounding him.

Other supporters expressed “it was a good day” as they had been coming to Fr Lancini’s court appearances since the beginning.

Police originally charged the priest on November 13 last year, after it was alleged he sexually abused a boy in Townsville while serving as a priest in the region between 1969 and 1971.

Addressing the media outside of the courthouse, breathing heavy sighs of relief, Fr Lancini said today was a “day of thanks”.

Father David Lancini has child sex charges dropped in Townsville Magistrates Court. Picture: Nikita Mcguire

“I’ve been a priest in the diocese here for over 50 years, in that time I’ve served as best I can and I believe I’ve done that so today I want to say thanks to my family, the extended Lancini family for the generosity and kindness and goodness and also the many emails, cards, words of encouragement I’ve received,” he said.

Fr Lancini has been supported by many throughout the court proceedings, with dozens of people showing up to all of his court appearances at Townsville courthouse, gathering at the back of the courtrooms.

Bishop Tim Harris of the Townsville Catholic Diocese said he was pleased all charges had been dropped.

“It doesn’t matter who you are if you are Catholic or not, Fr Dave connects with all,” he said.

“He is especially supportive of those on the margins. This is a very special feature of Dave.

“I feel deeply for all victims and survivors who have experienced harm. Situations like this may cause more harm to those and make it even more difficult for victims to come forward and tell their story.”

In one of Fr Lancini’s last court appearances, his lawyer told the court there was no case to answer and that he intended to present that argument as well as cross examine four witnesses at the committal hearing which was scheduled to take place Tuesday — however, in its spot has been an official declaration that the charges will not proceed.

Magistrate Keegan said since the matters had reached the committal hearing stage, Fr Lancini was not able to apply to receive costs of damages.

The crowd of people once again applauded and shook hands with Fr Lancini as he exited the courtroom one last time.

Originally published as Father David Lancini has child sex charges dropped in Townsville Magistrates Court