A Blenheim priest has been removed from his post after being charged with indecent assault.
The Catholic Church has released a statement saying the priest, who has worked at St Mary's Catholic Parish since late last year, has been stood down after a police complaint was made.
The news first came to the public's attention during mass yesterday morning when the priest's departure and the reasons for it, were announced to a shocked congregation.
A police spokeswoman has confirmed a 71-year-old Blenheim man will appear in court tomorrow for his first appearance on one charge of indecent assault on a male over the age of 16.
