New charges brought against local priest

NEW charges have been put to a Tyrone priest currently awaiting trial for historic sexual abuse offences against two males, some of which allegedly date back over 40 years.

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

Last year, he was charged with sexual offences against two males which allegedly occurred in the Fermanagh area.

He denies four counts of indecently assaulting one complainant on dates between 1988 and 1989.

There is also a single count of indecently assaulting another complainant between 1980 and 1981.

The case is currently before Dungannon Crown Court and, after entering not guilty pleas to all charges, Canon McEntee was informed his trial was scheduled to begin in September and expected to last around a week.

However, during a recent review hearing, a prosecuting barrister said further complainants have since come forward and an additional case is in the system.

Judge Fiona Bagnall enquired if there is a possibility the new charges could be added to the existing matters and all cases could be heard together in one trial, however the prosecution said there is no decision on the way forward at present.

Yesterday (Wednesday), Canon McEntee appeared before Enniskillen Magistrates Court for a committal hearing accused of a further four counts of indecent assault against three males – two counts against one and single counts against the other two.

Offending is alleged to have occurred on various dates between 1978 and 1987.

A prosecuting lawyer told the court there is a case to answer, which was agreed by Deputy District Judge Austin Kennedy.

When asked if he wished to call witnesses or give evidence on his own behalf, Canon McEntee replied, “Not at this stage.”

Judge Kennedy remanded set bail at £500 and ordered Canon McEntee to reside at his current address and no other.

He is also banned from all contact with the complainants and any person aged under 16.

The case will be listed at Dungannon Crown Court for arraignment on September 17, with the judge remarking all charges are likely to be joined together.

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 confirmed, “Canon Patrick McEntee, Dromore, 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.”