A priest was refused bail in Port Macquarie Local Court on Friday, after being arrested the day before on historical sexual assault charges.
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Father John Casey is accused of five counts of sexual assault on a person under 16-years-of-age and four counts of sexual assault and committing an act of indecency.
The charges relate to alleged incidents in Lismore more than 30 years ago.
Kempsey police refused the Sawtell resident bail after arresting him on Thursday morning, and the matter was adjourned to be heard by magistrate Thomas Hodgson the next day.
Duty solicitor Stephen Wright made a release application for his client saying that if refused bail, Fr Casey could "languish in prison" for up to two years until the matter is handled in the district court.
He said the 67-year-old could reside with his sister, who was present in court for support.
Mr Hodgson said he had carefully considered the application, and noted Fr Casey had strong community ties, no history of violence and no history of non-compliance with court orders.
But he said the accusations related to "serious offences" and it was a "reasonably strong" prosecution case.
A custodial sentence was likely if Fr Casey is convicted, the magistrate said.
The matter was adjourned to Lismore Local Court on September 15.
