Jury discharged as trial of Tyrone priest takes unexpected turn

THE jury has been discharged in the trial of a priest accused of historic sexual abuse charges against a number of males who were pupils in the County Fermanagh school where he taught.

Canon Patrick McEntee (70), from Esker Road, Dromore, requested a leave of absence in 2022 while a serious safeguarding investigation was carried out.

He is charged with sexual offences against five males who attended St Michael’s College, Enniskillen.

There are four counts of indecently assaulting one complainant on dates between 1988 and 1989 and a single count of indecently assaulting another complainant between 1980 and 1981.

In addition, there are a further four counts of indecent assault against three males- two counts against one and single counts against the other two.

These matters allegedly occurred on various dates between 1978 and 1987.

Canon McEntee denies all charges against him.

The trial opened earlier this week with an outline of the allegations however a legal issue arose yesterday.

However, today Judge Richard Greene decided it was necessary to discharge the jury to “ensure the right of a fair trial”.

He remanded Canon McEntee on continuing bail of £500 and banned all contact with the complainants and any person aged under 16.

The case will be mentioned again next week.

Originally from Monaghan, Canon McEntee joined the staff of St Michael’s College, Enniskillen in 1977 teaching religious studies and sitting on the Board of Governors.

He was also college president between 1994 and 2000, moving on to take up the post of Parish Priest at St Davog’s Church in Dromore, County Tyrone in 2001, where he has remained until his recent leave of absence.

Previously the Diocese of Clogher confirmed: “Canon Patrick McEntee PP, Dromore, County Tyrone, has asked for a period of leave to allow a safeguarding matter to be addressed. The Diocese of Clogher has robust safeguarding policies and practices in place. The Diocese of Clogher takes seriously all allegations, suspicions or concerns of abuse.”

When asked of the current status given the charges now faced, a spokesperson replied: “Canon Patrick McEntee is on leave while a safeguarding matter is dealt with and will continue to be on leave from ministry until all due processes have been completed.”