The Catholic Church has removed a Queensland priest from duty after he was charged with sexual misconduct at a New South Wales school almost 20 years ago. Kevin Phillips, 58, has spent the last few years working as a priest in a number of Mackay parishes in north Queensland, but was yesterday stood aside from all duties.
It follows a court appearance in Sydney yesterday where he faced numerous charges including trying to have sex with a boy while he was a teacher at St Stanislaus College in Bathurst in 1990.
Phillips has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his case has been adjourned until June.
Bishop Brian Heenan, the head of the central Queensland Diocese, says the church has followed its national guidelines in standing the priest aside until all court proceedings have been finalised.
The 'Towards Healing' document details its nationwide policy that deals with sexual abuse by members of the church.
Bishop Heenan says Phillips has been stood aside from his duties at various churches in Mackay, including St Patrick's and others in West Mackay and Sarina until the court case is resolved.
Phillips is the sixth man to be arrested over claims of sexual misconduct at the school.
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Source (ABC)
SV (ED)