A 59-year-old priest, Edward Gallagher, has been committed for trial at Londonderry Crown Court on 116 alleged sexual offence charges. The alleged offences are said to have taken place between 22 June 2023 and 18 April 2025 and include counts relating to sexual communication with children, possession of indecent images and incitement. At a preliminary hearing the court found there was a case to answer; Gallagher declined to call witnesses or make a statement and remains in custody awaiting a trial date.
Priest Returned For Trial on 116 Alleged Sexual Offence Charges
Edward Gallagher, 59, whose address is Maghaberry Prison, appeared at a preliminary enquiry at Londonderry Magistrates' Court on Thursday [Social Media]
A priest has been returned for trial at Londonderry Crown Court on multiple alleged sexual offence charges.
Edward Gallagher, 59, whose address is recorded as Maghaberry Prison, appeared at a preliminary hearing at Londonderry Magistrates' Court on Thursday. The allegations, which remain unproven, are said to have occurred between 22 June 2023 and 18 April 2025.
Allegations and Court Proceedings
The charges—116 in total—allegedly include sexual communication with children, attempted sexual communication with children, possession of indecent images of children and inciting persons under 16 to engage in sexual activity.
Defence solicitor Derwin Harvey told the court he had reviewed the charges with Gallagher and that it was not necessary for all 116 counts to be read aloud at the preliminary hearing. The court accepted there was a case to answer and no submissions were made to the contrary.
Gallagher indicated he did not wish to call any witnesses or make a formal statement at this stage.
He has been committed for trial at Londonderry Crown Court on a date to be fixed and remains in custody.
Note: All allegations are unproven and the defendant is entitled to a fair trial.
Help us improve.
