A CHRISTIAN Brother could be charged with further offences following a Sydney court appearance. William John Obbens, 70, of Ryde, appeared in Downing Centre District Court on Friday.
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He pleaded guilty last May to three counts of sexual assault/indecent assault of a person under 16 who was under his authority.
But on Friday, in a hearing before Judge David Frearson, the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) flagged fresh charges. The nature of these is not known at this stage but the Post understands they have not been laid yet.
Defence solicitor Greg Walsh sought an adjournment to consider the effect of these charges. Judge Frearson adjourned the matter to Thursday, October 13. Obbens will remain on bail.
The Brother was a teacher and dormitory master at St Patrick’s College, Goulburn from 1986 until 1989. He was originally charged with five counts of sexual/indecent assault related to his time at St Pat’s on December 11, 2014.
The matter is unlikely to be finalised in October.
Louise Thrower
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
If you have a story to tell, drop me a line at louise.thrower@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0418 229 678.
