Trial of priest accused of sexual offences to begin on Monday

THE TRIAL of a Tyrone-based priest accused of committing sexual offences dating back over 40 years is to begin next week.

Canon Patrick McEntee (70), of Esker Road, Dromore, who requested a leave of absence two years ago while a serious safeguarding investigation was carried out, is charged with indecently assaulting five complaints between September 1978 and December 1989.

No details surrounding the circumstances of the alleged offences have been disclosed to date although it is understood they relate to Canon McEntee’s time in County Fermanagh.

In March of last year McEntee pleaded not guilty to all charges and since then preparations have been ongoing for his trial.

A pre-trial review was held at Dungannon Court, where both defence counsel and prosecution confirmed that the case will proceed on Monday, May 19.

McEntee’s defence counsel said that the trial was likely to ‘continue into the following week’.

Originally from Monaghan, Canon McEntee joined the staff of St Michael’s College, Enniskillen in 1997 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 said: “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.”