Prominent Perth Catholic priest Father Joe Walsh has thanked his supporters after appearing in court charged with stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in parish funds after an investigation by the WA Police fraud squad and an internal church probe.

Fr Walsh, 66, made a brief appearance in Perth Magistrates Court this morning, on six counts of stealing which police allege netted him $252,000 over three years up until 2017.

The case was today adjourned for eight weeks for legal advice, and will return to court next February.

No more details of the charges were revealed in court, and no plea was entered.

Outside court, lawyer Wayne Burg said through him Fr Walsh wanted to thank his supporters, some of whom were in court with the former Subiaco priest.

The West Australian revealed earlier this year the office of the Catholic Archbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe, had taken the unusual step of calling in police and standing Father Walsh aside amid a church inquiry into the historical financial records of St Joseph’s church in Subiaco.

Father Walsh led the Subiaco parish for 16 years.

Camera Icon Senior Perth priest Father Joe Walsh (centre grey suit) charged with stealing pictured arriving at court this morning. Credit: Ian Munro

The parish is one of the establishment Catholic churches in Perth and often hosts prominent society weddings and baptisms.

WA Police confirmed this morning in a statement that Father Walsh allegedly stole about $252,000 in church funds between 2014 and 2017.

The financial probe of St Joseph’s was ordered by the Archbishop’s office in December last year after complaints by parishioners.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Perth referred the case to police in June after what it called a “protracted and complex” inquiry.

Father Walsh left St Joseph’s in 2016 and was appointed chaplain of All Saints Chapel in the city.

A spokesman for Archbishop Costelloe said yesterday Father Walsh was removed as priest in charge of Allendale Square Chapel after he came under investigation by police.

“The Archdiocese of Perth is unable to comment on Rev Fr Joseph Walsh, given the matter is now before the courts,” the spokesman said.

When it launched its financial inquiry into St Joseph’s, the Archbishop’s office said the probe was seeking to ensure “professional governance” and demonstrate due diligence.

At the time, the inquiry was slated to last only a few weeks, but ended up running for almost six months.

Born in Ireland, Father Walsh is a well known and popular figure around Perth and is sometimes quoted in local media on social issues.

A message posted on the Allendale Square Chapel website wishes worshippers a joyous Christmas, and asks they keep “Father Joe” in their prayers.