Dressed in a maroon jacket, the 59-year-old man remained expressionless and spoke only once during his appearance in Armidale Local Court yesterday afternoon.

The man was arrested at his Armidale home yesterday morning and charged with 25 offences. The charges relate to alleged sex crimes committed against three girls across regional NSW between 1979 and 1988. The girls ranged between five and 18 years of age at the time of the alleged offences.

The arrest was made by officers from Strike Force Glenroe, established in July to investigate allegations against the former priest.  

The defence argued the man be released on bail because his connections in the local community meant he was unlikely to be a flight risk.

 It was pointed out the accused had no prior criminal convictions and appeared at all court appearances required of him.

The prosecution strongly opposed bail, arguing the accused posed a reasonable risk to the community. 

Some of the charges could result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment if convicted, and the prosecution argued the magistrate consider the severity of the alleged offences. In handing down his bail refusal, Magistrate Mark Richardson determined granting bail would pose a significant risk to the community. He also considered the possibility of further charges arising from the police investigation.

Although the defence offered a surety of $10,000 cash, Magistrate Richardson determined $250,000 would be required “as a start”.

During a media conference in Sydney yesterday, sex crime squad commander Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec said investigations were continuing. He said it was not yet clear whether allegations of a cover-up within the Catholic Church would be investigated by Strike Force Glenroe.

 “It's certainly early days in regard to our investigation in respect to the cover-up that's been suggested,” he said.

The taskforce has spoken to 50 witnesses, including potential victims and their families. The strike force has included Armidale officers.

Detective Superintendent Kerlatec said all evidence showed previous investigations were carried out appropriately. The case will reappear in Armidale Local Court on November 7.