Catholic priest on trial accused of past child abuse

The Catholic Church in Mallanganee. Photo: Susanna Freymark

Susanna Freymark

In November 2021, detectives began investigating reports that a boy aged 14 had been sexually abused at a church property in Mallanganee in 1982.

IndyNR.com reported on that here.

This week, Catholic priest John Patrick Casey is in Lismore District Court facing past child sex abuse charges.

Casey was the parish priest at Mallanganee between 1981–1988.

He has pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual assault against a person under the age of 16.

It is alleged Casey indecently massaged a 14 year old boy staying at his house in Mallanganee.

The case against Casey is based on photos and church records and evidence from the complainant and from a friend of his who was also a teenager at the time.

ABC News covered the first day in court. Read the story here – be aware the story contains graphic details of sexual abuse.

The trial is scheduled to run until Friday.

Father Casey when he was a priest at Mallanganee Catholic Church. Photo: Contributed

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