The Dominican Order yesterday named Fr Charles Fenech as the priest at the centre of sex abuse allegations, saying it had repeatedly “warned” him and taken “steps” against him.

The 54-year old Rabat priest is due to appear in court to face sexual assault charges.

In a statement reacting to a story published by The Sunday Times of Malta, the Maltese Province of the Dominican Order said it had warned the priest “several times... and taken various measures” against him.

It also cautioned, however, that “there were times when the allegations against him were withdrawn”.

Fr Fenech has been stopped from practising as a priest and has been removed as director of the Kerygma Movement

The order expressed regret at the news, adding it wanted to inform the public that Fr Fenech had been stopped from practising as a priest and had been removed as director of the Kerygma Movement.

Fr Fenech is also the director of Radju Marija, but the order said this matter was in the hands of the international organisation that runs the stations. The order said it was “in no way expressing judgement on the situation... but is merely taking precautions”. It added that it was always prepared to collaborate with police.

The Sunday Times of Malta had revealed that the priest is accused of forcing himself on a mentally unstable patient in her 40s. Sources said that at the time she was at Mount Carmel Hospital following a suicide attempt.

Other incidents are alleged to have taken place at various locations over a period of years.

Sources said the police launched an investigation following a report by the victim. However, 17 months after the charges were filed the case has yet to begin as Fr Fenech has presented medical certificates three times stating he could not attend court sittings.

It is understood the police are also investigating claims made by other alleged female victims.