Former priest denied bail

A FORMER priest has been charged with 25 child sex offences, with police set to inquire into whether the Catholic Church took part in a cover-up.

The 59-year-old man was denied bail when he appeared in Armidale Local Court, in northern NSW, on Thursday, accused of repeatedly molesting three girls between 1979 and 1988.

Detectives from Strike Force Glenroe arrested him at his Armidale home about 6.30am following an ongoing investigation that began in July.

He faces up to 10 years in jail if found guilty of the offences.

Magistrate Mark Richardson denied his bail application and ordered the man’s name not be published to protect the anonymity of the alleged victims.

The girls were as young as five, police said, and among the charges were 17 counts of sexual assault.

The man will remain in custody until the matter comes before the same court on November 7.

Sex Crimes Squad commander John Kerlatec said detectives had spoken to more than 50 people, and potential victims may have contacted police in previous years.

The Diocese of Armidale has been conducting its own investigation and has provided information to detectives.