A 59-year-old priest, Edward Gallagher, has been sent for trial at Derry Crown Court charged with 116 alleged sexual offences.
Gallagher, whose address was given as Maghaberry Prison, appeared at a preliminary enquiry at Derry Magistrates’ Court on Thursday. The charges relate to alleged incidents between 22 June 2023 and 18 April 2025.
The offences include sexual communication with children, attempted sexual communication with children, possession of indecent images of children, and inciting children under 16 to engage in sexual activity.
Defence solicitor Derwin Harvey told the court that he had reviewed the charges with his client and that it was unnecessary for all 116 counts to be read aloud. The court accepted there was a case to answer, with no objections raised.
Gallagher confirmed he did not wish to call any witnesses or make a statement at this stage.
He has been returned for trial at Derry Crown Court on a date yet to be determined and remains in custody. He has also been suspended from his duties as a priest.