Priest pays out over abuse claim

A priest in the Londonderry area has paid out a five figure sum to settle claims of sexual abuse out of court.
The allegations relate to an incident at a parochial house in 1992, involving an 18-year-old man.

A civil action over an alleged sexual advance by the priest was started two years ago and settled with no admission of liability last October.

It has emerged that the priest is to "continue in parish ministry and in wider diocesan activities".

Legal advisors

In a statement published in the Derry Journal, the Bishop of Derry, Dr Seamus Hegarty, confirmed that he was aware of the allegations against the priest.

He said the issue concerned two adults who were fully represented.

Dr Hegarty said it was settled without court proceedings between the priest and the complainant through their legal representatives.

The bishop said that he was allowing the priest to continue to work in the Derry diocese after considering the matter thoroughly with his legal advisors and others, and taking into account the circumstances and the priest's character.

It is understood that the man at the centre of the allegations claimed he was the subject of a sexual advance while visiting a parochial house for counselling on sexual abuse.