A Blenheim Catholic priest has indicated he will plead guilty to one charge of indecent assault.
Father Alistair Aidan Kay. Photo: RNZ
Father Alastair Aidan Kay, 71, appeared in the Blenheim District Court this morning, when he indicated he would plead guilty.
His lawyer, Rob Harrison, asked Judge Peter Hobbs not to enter the guilty plea so Kay could go through a restorative justice programme before reappearing in court on 20 October.
Judge Hobbs agreed but warned Kay not to contact the victim unless for the purposes of restorative justice meetings.
Kay spoke briefly outside the court, saying he had not been in contact with the victim or their family, and that he was anxious they not be affected by the case.
His arrest was revealed to his congregation at St Mary's Parish Church during mass on Sunday.
Archbishop of Wellington John Dew said the church would not be releasing any further details as the case was before the courts.
