David Joseph Perrett is on conditional bail, charged with 131 allegations of child sex offences stemming back to the late 1960s.

The charges - which include indecent assault, aggravated sexual assault and carnal knowledge - relate to Perrett's time working as a priest in Armidale, Walgett and Guyra between 1969 and 1993.

The now 82-year-old is accused of abusing 37 children over more than 20 years.

If found guilty of the offence of being an adult who maintains an unlawful relationship with a child, Perrett faces life imprisonment.

READ MORE:

Perrett was due to enter pleas in Armidale District Court at an arraignment hearing in late July, but the court was told more time was needed for specialist medical evidence to be prepared and served.

Judge Jeffery McLennan granted a lengthy adjournment and continued Perrett's conditional bail.

He ordered the case to return to court in November in Armidale.

Perrett was granted bail in the NSW Supreme Court in Sydney in April after the judge was told the retired clergyman's treating doctor had given him between six and 12 months to live, due to a number of health conditions. He has been bailed to live with family members in Armidale.

Perrett was first committed to the district court in April in Armidale Local Court, after being ordered to stand trial by magistrate Michael Holmes.

Strike Force Bennett was established to investigate claims of historical abuse before Perrett, who is now retired, was extradited by Armidale detectives from Wallangara in May 2017.

Want more local stories? Support the local news that keeps you informed subscribe today