Attempts to Locate Potential Alleged Victims of Derry Priest Charged with Child Sex Offences

A prosecutor has stated that providing a timeline for police efforts to identify potential alleged victims in the case of a Catholic priest charged with sex offences would be ‘difficult’. Edward Gallagher, 58, of Orchard Park in Lifford, County Donegal, faces one count of attempted sexual communication with a child between April 2 and April 17, 2025, and seven additional charges, including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and causing a child to watch sexual activity on April 17 of this year.

At a recent court hearing, it was disclosed that the triage of devices had been completed, and a significant number of potential alleged victims had been identified. The court was informed that ongoing efforts were being made to communicate with these individuals and ‘find out who these people are’. The process, however, remains complex and time-consuming, with the court acknowledging the difficulty in establishing a clear timescale for this endeavor.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is collaborating with other police forces on the case, as highlighted during the hearing. Defence counsel, Stephen Chapman, expressed appreciation for the update but emphasized the potential for the process to take an extended period. He requested a more ‘detailed update as to what needs to be done and what is being done’.

Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne acknowledged the need for the defence to receive ‘some sort of structured outline’ to better understand the ongoing investigation. Fr Edward Gallagher, who has served in various parishes across County Donegal and previously worked as a missionary in Belize, is currently facing these serious allegations.

The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the church and broader community. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. This case calls for a commitment to truth, justice, and the protection of vulnerable individuals, reflecting the values of integrity and compassion that should guide all institutions.

Source: Read the original report