THE Catholic Church has removed a leading Australian priest who sexually preyed on a disabled and vulnerable woman in NSW.

In an embarrassing U-turn, the Melbourne Archdiocese has removed Father Tom Knowles from one of the nation's busiest churches just weeks after reinstating him.

Stood down for a second time … Father Tom Knowles. Credit:Angela Wylie

The move comes after revelations by Fairfax Media last month that a confidential church inquiry had found he had an improper sexual relationship with disabled woman Jennifer Herrick for 14 years in NSW.

As a result of this inquiry, Father Knowles was put on administrative leave for 16 months but was returned to active ministry in January.