Blenheim priest charged with indecent assault

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Police have confirmed that a Catholic priest stood down after a complaint has been charged with indecently assaulting another male.

Father Aidan Kay CP, 71, was a priest at St Mary's Catholic Parish in Blenheim but was removed from the ministry after the complaint.

He will appear in the Blenheim District Court on September 16 charged with indecently assaulting a male over 17.

Police would not comment further as the matter was before the courts.

Catholic Archbishop John Dew issued a statement yesterday naming Kay and revealing the charge.

"As this case is due before the courts no further details will be discussed," he said.