WINNIPEG-

The Crown has stayed sex charges against a Manitoba Catholic priest on the second day of his trial.

Arul Savari was charged last year with sexual assault, sexual exploitation and false imprisonment.

The charges stemmed from an alleged assault that allegedly took place in a remote First Nation where he worked.

At the time, RCMP said they received information that Savari had sexually assaulted an eight-year-old girl.

They said the girl told police she was asked to help clean the church and was alone with the priest when she was touched inappropriately and prevented from leaving.

Police said Savari had been in Canada for six years, had worked in another remote First Nation and resided in Winnipeg.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published November 13, 2024.