Catholic priest, 79, extradited from NSW to face charges over 1990s ‘indecent assault’ in WA against girl

Caleb Runciman
The Nightly
A 79-year-old Catholic priest has been extradited to WA from NSW over allegedly sickening child sex offences from 1990. (File image).
A 79-year-old Catholic priest has been extradited to WA from NSW over allegedly sickening child sex offences from 1990. (File image). Credit: Supplied

A Catholic priest has been extradited from New South Wales to face allegations he indecently dealt with a young girl while visiting WA more than 30 years ago.

Child abuse squad detectives travelled to NSW and arrested a 79-year-old man at a property in Granville after he allegedly offended in 1990 while visiting WA.

The accused faced Parramatta Magistrates Court on Wednesday before his extradition to WA was approved.

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Court documents said the alleged offending took place in the southern Perth suburb of Kardinya on June 29, 1990.

He is facing two charges of unlawful indecent dealing with a child under 13 years and is due to front the Perth Magistrates Court today.

Police allege the girl was just 11-year-old at the time of the man’s first offence.

A police spokeswoman said child abuse squad detectives located the man as part of a Taskforce Tonalite, which was established to investigate historical abuse and referrals provided from the Royal Commission into institutional responses to child sex abuse.

Anybody who is a victim of sexual abuse is urged by detectives to contact police on 131 444.

Information can be provided anonymously through the Safe2Say online reporting platform.

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