A warning that the following story contains information that some readers may find disturbing.

A St. John’s man is facing shocking allegations that he abused and offered up his own children for sex at the hands of others.

The man, now 78, faces five counts related to incidents alleged to have occurred in St. John’s more than 40 years ago, between 1973 and 1983, when he was in his 30s.

The victims include three children, two of which were his own.

The charges, which senior lawyers say they’ve never seen before the courts in this province, include two counts of a parent or guardian procuring defilement of a child, indecent assault of a boy, indecent assault of a girl and sexual assault.

The case was called for the first time this morning, with a publication ban ordered on any information that could lead to the identity of the complainants.

A designation has also been filed with the judge which means the accused does not have to appear in court yet.

The Crown is proceeding by indictment in the case, the more serious route to trial.

The case will be called again on June 29th when it’s expected pleas will be entered on the accused’s behalf.