By EMMA SUN AND CASEY NEILL
FORMER St Joseph’s College principal Father Julian Fox has been charged with historical child sex crimes dating back to 1976.
In what police considered a “break through in cooperation between the Victoria Police and the Catholic Church”, Father Fox was arrested on Monday 22 April after returning from Rome.
The 67-year-old presented himself to the police at Crime Command Headquarters in Melbourne with his lawyer and was charged with 10 offences including buggery, indecent assault and common law assault.
St Joseph’s College in Ferntree Gully had previously made calls for its former principal to return to Australia to face the sex abuse claims, after the Salesian priest left Australia for Rome in the late 90s.
Current principal Vincent Feeney said the college was committed to the safety and wellbeing of all students.
“The college has explicit policies regarding appropriate conduct of staff and students,” he said.
“With regard to the allegations made against Father Fox, St Joseph’s College supports the return of Father Fox to Australia to face these allegations.
“The college would also like to express its deepest sorrow to all those who have suffered the pain and humiliation of sexual abuse anywhere and to their families.”
“These matters occurred a long time ago and it’s a pity it’s taken so long for things to be dealt with, but clearly it’s very important to the complainants that this is dealt with through the appropriate channels, which is the justice system,” he said.
“We look forward to some resolutions for the complainants and that the court processes will ensure justice.
“In saying that, everybody’s innocent until proven guilty.”
Father Fox has been charged with abusing four Victorian children between 1976 and 1985 in Ferntree Gully and Sunbury.
He was granted bail and will reappear in court for a committal mention hearing on 19 July.
