A CHRISTIAN Brother has been committed to stand trial over five alleged historical child sex offences.
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On Wednesday in the Goulburn Local Court, William John Obbens, 69 of Ryde, waived his right to a committal hearing.
He will face five counts of indecent sexual assault against a person under 16 under his authority.
Obbens sat silently in court on Wednesday as his solicitor Greg Walsh handed the brief of evidence, which included three witness statements, to Magistrate Caroline Huntsman.
Magistrate Huntsman continued Obbens’ bail. His trial will begin in the Goulburn District Court on Wednesday June 24.
Meantime, a fellow Christian Brother also charged with historical sexual offences has had his matter adjourned.
Christopher Rafferty, 63 and also of Ryde, appeared before Registrar Bernadette Hilton on Wednesday morning.
In a joint application from the Department of Public Prosecutions and Rafferty’s solicitor, Mr Walsh, an adjournment was requested after “outstanding material had been brought to the attention of the DPP”.
Rafferty is currently facing eight counts, including indecent assault, two counts of committing an act of indecency and three sequences of homosexual intercourse with a pupil.
Rafferty was excused from appearing in person at his next court date on Wednesday July 15. His bail was continued.
Both men were arrested under Goulburn Strikeforce Charish, established to investigate historical allegations of child sex offences at St Patrick’s College.