A Catholic priest from the Illawarra region has been charged with sexual assault offences allegedly committed decades ago, according to police.
Details of the Allegations
The accused, Martin Joseph Van Sang Mai, is a 74-year-old priest who served in various parishes across the Illawarra and South Coast. He faces multiple charges including sexual assault and indecent assault, with alleged incidents occurring between 1970 and 1990.
Police will allege that the priest assaulted two victims, both of whom were under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged offences. The victims came forward to authorities in recent months, prompting an investigation by the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad.
Legal Proceedings
Van Sang Mai was arrested at his home in Wollongong on Wednesday morning and taken to Wollongong Police Station. He has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear in Wollongong Local Court on June 21.
The priest has been stood down from his ministry pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. The Catholic Diocese of Wollongong has stated that it is cooperating fully with police and has offered support to the alleged victims.
Broader Context
This case adds to a growing number of historical sexual abuse allegations against clergy members in Australia. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, which concluded in 2017, found that thousands of children had been abused in religious and other institutions across the country.
The commission's recommendations included improvements to reporting mechanisms and support for survivors. The Catholic Church has since implemented various safeguarding measures, though critics argue that more needs to be done to address systemic issues.
Police are urging anyone with information about this case or similar incidents to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.
