The Newcastle solicitor acting for former Taree Catholic priest Father Barry Tunks, Bruce Foat has confirmed that the criminal charges of sexual assault against Fr Tunks have been withdrawn.
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Taree solicitor Maurie Stack was notified by Mr Foat on Friday afternoon, December 7, that in the District Court at the Downing Centre in Sydney the Crown withdrew the charges and Chief Judge Derek Price dismissed the proceedings.
Mr Stack was to have given evidence on behalf of Fr Tunks in a hearing in Sydney next February.
Mr Stack said he had spoken to Fr Tunks.
“He had a letter advising of the Crown’s intent - and he indicated that he is greatly relieved and appreciative of all the support he has had,” he said.
Seventy-seven-year-old former Maitland-Newcastle Diocese Vicar appeared in Forster Local Court on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 to face historic child sex charges.