Robert James Hickman: Extradited Catholic priest charged with sexually assaulting another child 30 years ago

The identity of a Catholic priest accused of four historic sex offences against two young girls in WA can be revealed for the first time. Robert James Hickman, now aged 80, faced the Fremantle Magistrates Court on Friday via audio-link from NSW after WA Police child abuse detectives charged him with two new offences. Mr Hickman was extradited to Perth earlier this year over allegations he indecently dealt with a child under the age of 13 in 1990 while visiting WA, before he was granted bail and allowed to fly back to the eastern states. But following further investigations, police revealed on Friday that the elderly man was hit with the two new charges of aggravated sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault relating to the alleged assault of another young girl in the same year. Police allege the second victim was also aged under 13 at the time of the offending. On Friday, Mr Hickman, through his lawyer, entered not guilty pleas to the two new offences . He was not extradited to Perth when hit with the new offences, and was allowed to remain in the NSW town of Granville, where he lives. His bail conditions state that he can not work in or deal with any children in a work setting. He is required to visit his lawyer’s office for any upcoming court cases unless stated otherwise. During his initial court appearance, the court was told Mr Hickman was on parole after serving time behind bars for other offences when he was extradited. The nature of the offences were not shared with the court. He appeared frail and his lower lip quivered throughout, but his lawyer said he had not been informed of anything to suggest his health was deteriorating. It alleged the first victim identified was just 11 years old when the indecently dealings allegedly began. He will next appear for a mention in the Perth Magistrates Court on July 17. Child abuse squad detectives located the man as part of a task force Tonalite, which was established to investigate historical abuse and referrals provided by the royal commission into institutional responses to child sex abuse. A website dedicated to reporting on sex abuse cases from within the Catholic church says Mr Hickman became a Catholic priest in Sydney in the 1970s. It says he also worked “in parishes” while also working as a chaplain for the deaf community in NSW. Child abuse detectives are continuing their investigation into the accused’s alleged offending. Anybody who is a victim of sexual abuse is urged by detectives to contact police on 131 444. Information can be provided anonymously through the Safe2Say online reporting platform. Sexual Assault Resource Centre 1800 199 888 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Robert James Hickman: Extradited Catholic priest charged with sexually assaulting another child 30 years ago

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