A former priest remained silent as he faced court after being charged with sending sexually explicit photos to a 14-year-old boy and grooming him for sex.
Guy Norman Hartcher, 77, was arrested just after noon on December 23 at Pendle Hill in Sydney’s west, where he had allegedly arranged to meet a 14-year-old boy.
When he arrived, he was instead met by NSW Police detectives who had been posing as a minor during conversations online.
Former Priest Guy Hartcher, who has been charged with grooming a 14-year-old boy online, is seen leaving at Burwood Court in Sydney. Picture: Newswire/ Gaye Gerard
Former priest Guy Hartcher was arrested on December 23 at Pendle Hill. Picture: NSW Police
Police launched the ruse after allegedly receiving a tip off from Facebook about an account run by Mr Hartcher that was sharing child abuse material overseas in 2024.
During the online conversations, the former priest allegedly shared a number of sexually explicit photographs with detectives posing as a 14-year-old boy.
He also allegedly discussed in detail the sexual acts he would like to commit with the child.
Mr Hartcher has been charged with using a carriage service to procure a person under 16 years for sex with another and using a carriage service to send indecent material to a person under 16.
On Wednesday, he faced Burwood Local Court where his matter was briefly mentioned.
He wore a rust-coloured jumper with a black hat, glasses, and a face mask.
Magistrate Robyn Denes adjourned his matter until March for a check on the status of the brief of evidence against him.
Guy Hartcher leaves Burwood Court in Sydney with his lawyer Greg Walsh. Picture: Newswire/ Gaye Gerard
He was charged with grooming a 14-year-old for sex. Picture: NSW Police
Mr Hartcher did not speak as he left the courthouse flanked by his lawyer.
He was granted bail on Christmas Eve after a $10,000 surety was paid.
Under the conditions of his bail, he was ordered not to own a mobile phone for any reason other than making medical or legal appointments, and he cannot contact any children under 16 years of age or go within 500m of any school or childcare facility.
Police seized a number of USB drives and floppy discs from Mr Hartcher which are being examined.