A Roman Catholic priest charged with sexually assaulting a young woman in Holyrood last summer has been given a suspended sentenced.

Rev. Patrick Robert Offin apologized for his actions this afternoon in provincial court in St. John’s after pleading guilty to one count of sexual assault in provincial court in St. John’s.

The charge stemmed from an Aug. 21 incident at the priest’s house. Offin — from Ghana, West Africa — was serving a two-month stint at Holy Cross parish in Holyrood at the time.

The girl was a parishioner and had been had his residence to help Offin with his computer.

Offin, 55, kissed and hugged the girl, which involved touching her forehead, face and tongue.

“I’m very sorry,” Offin told the court. “I do not understand myself why I did this.

“It’s the first time in my life this has ever happened … I’m very sorry for putting the girl in that situation.”

Offin’s lawyer, Gerry O’Brien, requested a complete discharge, calling Offin’s action “the lowest range of sexual assault.

“What he did was not for sexual gratification,” said O’Brien, who also noted Offin’s impeccable record. “Nor did he have any sexual intent or motivation.” However, Crown prosecutor Robin Fowler pointed out that because Offin had been in a position of trust, a suspended sentence was more appropriate. Judge David Orr agreed.

The suspended sentenced means Offin will not serve any jail time, but will have a criminal record.

The judge also imposed a year’s parole order, with conditions that Offin partake in counselling sessions.

Offin will also have his name listed on the National Sex Offenders Registry. He will also have to submit a DNA sample.