Wollongong Catholic Bishop Peter Ingham has apologised for the sexual abuse suffered by a former altar boy 40 years ago.Retired priest Kelvin Gerald Sharkey, 80, who was parish priest at St John Vianney's Church, Fairy Meadow, yesterday pleaded guilty in Wollongong District Court to two charges of indecently assaulting the boy and one charge of buggery, dating back to 1969 and the early 1970s.Much of the abuse occurred inside the church, as well as at Sharkey's home in Batemans Bay, where he was transferred in 1971.

Fairy Meadow priest admits abusing boy Bishop Ingham said in a statement he was "deeply saddened" by the abuse and assured the community young churchgoers were safe."As Bishop of the Diocese of Wollongong, I am deeply saddened by the abuse of Father Sharkey and I offer my sincere apology for the pain that has resulted to the person and the family," Bishop Ingham said."I wish to assure the community that the diocese is committed to the protection of children and young people."The diocese has in place comprehensive child protection policies and procedures and seeks to ensure that the highest standards are maintained."He urged anyone who had been mistreated or abused to contact police or the church's Towards Healing helpline on 1300 369 977.

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Bishop apologises as priest pleads guilty

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