The state's prosecutor has dropped pending charges against John Denham, one of Australia's worst paedophile priests.
Denham, who is serving a lengthy sentence behind bars for crimes against dozens of children, was charged in 2023 for allegedly abusing a student at St Joseph's Primary School at Charlestown in 1972.
But Newcastle Local Court heard on Wednesday morning the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was withdrawing three counts of buggery and three charges of common assault.
Magistrate Caleb Franklin dismissed the charges.
Denham, now aged in his 80s, taught at various Hunter schools during his career, including a period at St Pius X at Adamstown from 1975 to 1979.
He was also actively associated with the Mayfield, Singleton, Charlestown and Taree Catholic parishes.
Among the multiple jail terms he has been handed for his crimes, Denham is serving a minimum 19 and a half years in prison for abusing dozens of boys aged between five and 17.
He received jail sentences after being found guilty at trials in 2010, 2015, and 2018.
He was also previously found guilty of offences against a young boy in 2001 but did not serve a jail term.
In total, Denham has been found guilty of abusing 58 boys between 1968 and 1986.
His crimes were the catalyst that kicked off the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse - brought on by the Newcastle Herald's years-long Shine The Light investigation.
- Support is available for those who may be distressed. Phone Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636; 1800-RESPECT 1800 737 732.
