Former monk accused of historic sexual abuse at Fort Augustus Abbey School appears at Inverness Sheriff Court

A former Catholic monk has appeared in court on seven charges of sexual abuse.

Denis "Chrysostom" Alexander, who had contested his extradition from Australia on the grounds of ill health, arrived at Inverness Sheriff Court in a people carrier on Friday and was helped into the cell block by security staff while in a wheelchair.

The hearing before Sheriff Chris Dickson was held in private.

Alexander taught at the Benedictine Fort Augustus Abbey during the 1960s and 70s, but was returned to Australia by the Catholic Church in 1979 after allegations of abuse were made by a former Fort Augustus Abbey pupil.

The Church apparently made no report to the police and no warnings were provided about his alleged offending behaviour to the Catholic Church in Australia, where he continued to work as a priest.

Alexander (84), from New South Wales, made no plea to charges including indecent assault, assault to injury, assault and lewd, indecent practices and behaviour.

He is expected to make a second appearance at court within the next eight days.