A 72-yr-old Catholic monk is currently being investigated by Austrian police after he reportedly confessed to having drunken sex with a 12-yr-old boy.
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The monk who identity has been hidden by authorities but lived at Lambach Abbey in the Wels-Land district of Upper Austria, was detained but has since been released
According to local media, the Abbey has said it is waiting to hear the results of the police investigation and a forthcoming court appearance before it decides how to deal with the monk, although a message posted on its website appeared to confirm that he had been caught having sex with an 'underage' boy.
Daily Mail reports that the monk was released from prison pending a police investigation and court appearance, according to the Austrian tabloid Kronen Zeitung.
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It is understood he has been suspended from his role as a monk until the investigation is complete.
A statement posted on the Lambach Abbey website appeared to confirm the allegations, stating that the monk was 'under the strong influence of alcohol he availed himself of sexual services.'
'One of the two people involved was, however, underage,' the message went on to say.
According to reports, the monk has already made a full confession to having abused the 12-year-old boy and has stated that he feels deep regret over the incident.
The Local Austria reported that the monk was released from custody on May 27th, on the agreement that give up alcohol and undergo psychotherapy.
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He is known to have had problems with drinking for some time and his role at the Abbey is said to have been limited to guided tours for visitors and holding services in a nearby retirement home.
'Our first concern was to ensure clarity. Now we must let the courts do their work and wait and see what happens,' Abbott Maximilian Neulinger was quoted as saying.
If the monk is found guilty of the crime following the police investigation, he is likely to face a prison sentence.
The case is likely to be separately referred to the Vatican, who will decide whether to strip him of his role as a monk at Lambach Abbey.
