Goldman v Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Armidale & Anor [2026] NSWSC 1158

Goldman v Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Armidale & Anor [2026] NSWSC 1158 concerned an imprisoned plaintiff seeking leave under ss 4 and 5 of the Felons (Civil Proceedings) Act 1981 (NSW) to pursue damages for alleged childhood sexual abuse at Narrabri and Daruk Boys’ Home. The key issue was whether the proceedings were an abuse of process and had a prima facie, arguable basis. Lonergan J held that the detailed pleading and psychiatric report met the statutory threshold, despite no separate statement from Goldman. Leave was granted nunc pro tunc, with costs of the motion made costs in the cause.