More suspects in boys' school abuse case

Tag: australia

Prosecutors have indicated more people will be charged over the alleged sexual assault of students at a Catholic boys' boarding school in central western New South Wales.


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Five men who worked at St Stanislaus College in Bathurst have been charged over the alleged abuse of boys between 1960 and 1993.

At least 16 former students have come forward alleging they were sexually assaulted at the school and at All Saints College, also in Bathurst.

Four of the men appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court today, where a further 71 charges were laid.

Fourty-four more charges were laid against 65-year-old former priest Brian Spillane but prosecutors dropped 20 of his other charges.

His lawyer, Greg Walsh, says his client is pleased some charges have been withdrawn.

"The most important thing is that this case be determined by the court but in my view, the withdrawal of a significant number of charges is an important development in the case, from my understanding, of the allegations and the way they arose, he said.

Prosecutor Beth Walker told the court police would take another 100 statements from alleged victims and more people would be charged.

Lawyers for the accused applied to have the matter returned to Bathurst. A decision on the application is likely to be made when the men reappear in court in February.

The accused men are on bail.

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St Stanislaus College

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/20...451082.htm