A former priest allegedly caught trying to secure online sex with a 14-year-old boy in a police operation a week before Christmas emerged from court wearing an Akubra-style hat and a face mask.
Guy Norman Hartcher, a 78-year-old retired Vincentian priest, was arrested outside a South Asian convenience store in Pendle Hill, western Sydney, in late December after allegedly sending indecent material to a police officer who was pass for a teenager.
He has also been accused of trying to obtain sex with the fictitious 14-year-old girl.
Former priest Guy Norman Hartcher tried to hide his face behind a hat and mask outside court
Hartcher (pictured) was arrested outside a South Asian convenience store in Pendle Hill, in Sydney’s west, in late December.
The alleged crimes occurred between Dec. 16 and Dec. 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 lawyer Greg Walsh did not object to the adjournment requested by prosecutors and the matter will return to court on March 5.
The alleged crimes occurred between Dec. 16 and Dec. 23 when he was arrested, according to court documents.
Hartcher did not answer questions as he pushed his way through reporters waiting outside the courthouse.
He has not yet pleaded guilty to either charge.
Walsh previously represented his wife’s killer Chris Dawson during his high-profile murder trial.