A Catholic priest living near Lichfield has appeared in court in Staffordshire charged with 19 sexual offences against boys.
Alexander Bede Walsh (57), of Abbotts Bromley, is accused of sexually abusing four boys in the 1980s and 90s, when he served as a priest in Coventry and in the Cheadle area.
The boys were of various ages between eight and 16 during the period of alleged offending during the 80s and 90s.
Magistrates today released Fr Walsh on bail, and he is next due to appear at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on January 31.
The inquiry is being conducted by detectives from North Staffordshire CID, based at Leek.
