Priest found guilty of assaulting parishioner again

A Greek Orthodox priest has been found guilty of assaulting the same parishioner for a second time this year.

Father John Grillis pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault against John Mihalopoulos between 7.55am and 8am (WST) in Burwood on June 26, 2007.

In Burwood Local Court on Tuesday, Magistrate Margot Stubbs found Grillis guilty of common assault.

The more serious charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm was dismissed.

No conviction was recorded against the 53-year old, despite Grillis facing identical charges against Mihalopoulos in August.

In that instance, Grillis pleaded guilty to one charge of common assault over an incident at the Greek Orthodox Church in Burwood on February 1, 2006.

An assault occasioning actual bodily harm charge was dropped after the prosecution and defence reached an agreement late on the first day of the hearing at Burwood Local Court.

In deciding not to record a conviction at that time, Magistrate William Pierce took into account the minor nature of the offence, Grillis’ previous good character and a degree of provocation.

SYDNEY
AAP