Peace River Record-Gazette
Wednesday, April 2, 2014 10:39:26 MDT AM
By Adam Dietrich, Peace River Record-Gazette
A preliminary inquiry date has been set for a Catholic priest from Manning charged with sexual offences against a minor earlier this month.
Counsel appeared in Peace River Provincial Court Monday, March 31 for Father Abraham Azhakathu, 59, of St. James the Major Parish, who faces charges of sexual assault and sexual interference, both involving a minor.
Counsel said that Azhakathu had elected for a trial by judge in a provincial courtroom.
The judge set a date for Aug. 21, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. in Peace River.
None of the details regarding the complainant in the case may be revealed because the complainant is a minor.
Azhakathu will continue to reside in Alberta, but outside of Manning.
He was arrested on March 8 and released March 9 after a Judicial Interim Release Hearing. His release included strict conditions not to be alone with anyone under the age of 16.
Azhakathu had been on loan to the St. James the Major Parish since 2009. He is a member of the Missionary Society of St. Thomas the Apostle based in Kerala State, India.
The Parish of St. James the Major is located in the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan, which includes 68 parishes and mission statements across northwestern Alberta.
Manning is located about 100 km north of Peace River.
adam.dietrich@sunmedia.ca