Arraignment of former Sinn Fein press officer adjourned due to illness
Michael McMonagle (42) of Limewood Street in Derry is charged with a total of 15 sex offences including attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in a sexual act
The arraignment of a former Sinn Fein press officer on a total of 15 sex offences has been adjourned after Derry Crown Court was told he was unable to appear due to illness.
Michael McMonagle (42) of Limewood Street in Derry was due to be arraigned at the local Crown Court today.
He is charged with attempting to incite a child under 13 to engage in a sexual act on August 2, 2021.
He was also charged with attempting to incite a child under 16 years of age to engage in sexual activity on August 10, 2021.
McMonagle was further charged with 13 charges of attempted sexual communication with a child under 16 years of age on various dates between May 20, 2020 and August 16, 2021.
At today's hearing Kieran Mallon KC representing McMonagle told the court that he had consulted with his client that morning and he was not well enough to attend.
He asked for an adjournment until April 16 and said that a 'certain course will be taken' as regards 12 of the charges.
The adjournment was granted until April 16.