Vic priest in court on child porn charge

An Anglican priest facing child pornography charges has been given a green light by a Melbourne magistrate to continue using a messaging app to chat with friends.

Philip John Murphy, 52, allegedly transmitted child pornography five times at Burwood East between December and February.

In the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday he successfully applied to vary bail conditions which banned the use of social media and chat sites, so he could communicate with friends using Whatsapp.

A 12-month police investigation ended with the search of a church at suburban Sunshine and nearby residence on Thursday, when Murphy was arrested.

He was charged with transmitting the material and also five counts of causing offence.

His matter is due back in court on October 27.