Sex abuse victims of a former Catholic priest have expressed their disbelief at a delay in his sentencing.

John Sidney Denham’s former victims packed the District Court in Sydney to see him sentenced for multiple offences dating back to the 1970s at schools in Sydney, Newcastle, and other parts of the Hunter Valley.

There was a collective sigh in court when Judge Helen Syme granted a four week adjournment.

The 69-year-old’s new defence lawyer, Greg Walsh told the court he has come on board late in the proceedings and wants psychiatric evidence to be considered.

The lawyer said his client knows he faces a lengthy jail term.

The judge said, “It’s perplexing this matter has come at this late stage,” and that the matter’s been before the court for the past two years.

She acknowledged the frustration of those in court, but said the delay was in the interest of justice.

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