Catholic Teacher on Sex Charges

Sydney Morning Herald - August 28, 2007

David Braithwaite

A 52-year-old Marist Brother has been charged with 21 sex offences against primary students in Sydney's east more than 30 years' ago.

It is understood the man was a teacher at St Michael's School at Daceyville when he allegedly abused a number of year five students in 1974.

The man, who is still a member of the Catholic order, was arrested by detectives yesterday and charged with 21 counts of indecent assault.

The Marist Brothers professional standards officer, Brother Alexis, said the alleged offender had been based in Sydney when arrested.

"He is currently located in an area where he is not in contact with children or any child-related activity,'' he said.

Brother Alexis said the order would welcome hearing of any similar complaints.

"As far as we're concerned we fully co-operate with [the police],'' he said.

"If anyone has a complaint we would like to hear about it.

"Anything like that is a very serious matter as far as we're concerned.''

St Michael's was believed to be a single-sex school at time of the offences.

Brother Alexis said he was unable to comment further as the matter was before the courts.

The alleged offender was granted conditional bail to appear in Waverley Local Court on September 18.

Police said the charges against the man were consistent with offences available under the law in 1974.


http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/teacher-on-sex-charges/2007/08/28/1188067099983.html