Ex-priest allegedly caught trying to procure a 14-year-old boy for sex online is pictured outside court
An ex-priest was reportedly caught trying to secure a 14-year-old boy for online sex during a police sting a week before Christmas, leaving 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 minimarket in Pendle Hill in western Sydney in late December after allegedly sending indecent material to a police officer posing as a teenager.
He is also accused of trying to have sex with the fictional 14-year-old.
Ex-priest Guy Norman Hartcher tried to hide his face behind a hat and face mask outside court
Hartcher (pictured) was arrested outside a South Asian minimarket in Pendle Hill in Sydney’s west in late December
According to court documents, the alleged crimes occurred between December 16 and 23, when he was arrested.
Hartcher left Burwood Local Court on Wednesday wearing a white face mask and dark hat after his first appearance.
His lawyer Greg Walsh did not oppose a delay requested by prosecutors and the case will go to trial on March 5.
According to court documents, the alleged crimes occurred between December 16 and 23, when he was arrested
Hartcher did not answer questions as he weaved through waiting reporters outside the court.
He has not yet entered a plea to either charge.
Mr Walsh previously represented the wife of killer Chris Dawson during his high-profile murder trial.