A judge is considering whether boys who allegedly suffered historical abuse by two Catholic clergymen at Christchurch's St John of God School will have to give evidence in court at a depositions hearing.
Judge Michael Crosbie reserved his decision after hearing legal argument at a pre-depositions session inChristchurch District Court this morning.
He expects to release his decision next week, in the case of Brother Roger Moloney, 71, and Father Raymond Garchow, 59, who were extradited from Australia last year.
Each faces multiple charges of sexual abuse of boys. They were not required to be at court for today's hearing.
Judge Crosbie suppressed the detail of the applications heard today, because it was likely to affect the ability of the two defendants to have a fair trial
But he allowed the media to report that the hearing had been held to decide the basis on which the depositions hearing would be held, and whether the complainants are to be called to give evidence in person.
He continued an order prohibiting further publication of images of Moloney and Garchow.
