Derry priest remanded as Judge demands completed file in sex offence case
Edward Gallagher (58) of Orchard Park in Lifford County Donegal had been charged with one count of attempted sexual communication with a child on dates between April 2 and April 17, 2025 and seven further offences including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and causing a child to watch sexual activity on April 17 as well as charges of possessing indecent images of children
A judge at Derry Magistrates Court' today said that he was ‘disappointed’ that there was only one police officer assigned to the case of a priest who is facing sex offences.
Edward Gallagher (58) of Orchard Park in Lifford County Donegal had been charged with one count of attempted sexual communication with a child on dates between April 2 and April 17, 2025 and seven further offences including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and causing a child to watch sexual activity on April 17 as well as charges of possessing indecent images of children.
Defence solicitor Derwin Harvey said that no time frame has been identified for the case as said that the full file is not ready.
Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne gave two weeks to submit a completed file to the court and said he is 'disapointed that only one officer was allocated' to a case this size.
The prosecution described the charges as a 'huge crime' with 650 pages of communications in police possession.
Gallagher was remanded in custody to appear again on February 19.