An ex-priest allegedly caught trying to procure a 14-year-old boy for sex online in a police sting a week before Christmas left court wearing an Akubra-style hat and face mask.
Guy Norman Hartcher, a 78-year-old retired Vincentian priest, was arrested outside a South Asian minimart in Pendle Hill in western Sydney in late December after allegedly sending indecent material to a police officer posing as a teen.
He’s also been accused of trying to procure sex from the fictitious 14-year-old.
The alleged crimes took place between December 16 and December 23 when he was arrested, according to court documents.
Hartcher left Burwood Local Court on Wednesday wearing a white face mask and dark hat after his first appearance.
His solicitor Greg Walsh did not oppose an adjournment sought by prosecutors and the matter will return to court on March 5.
Hartcher did not answer questions as he pushed his way through waiting journalists outside the court.
He has not yet entered pleas to either of the two charges.
Mr Walsh previously represented wife killer Chris Dawson during his high-profile murder trial.
https://thewest.com.au/news/crime/ex-priest-accused-of-grooming-14yo-boy-faces-court-c-17320427
