Former Sinn Fein press officer to appear next month on child sexual activity charges

A former Sinn Fein press officer will face a preliminary enquiry on sexual activity with a child charges on February 29.

Michael McMonagle (42) of Limewood Street in Derry is facing three charges of sexual communication with a child, attempted to engage a child in sexual activity and attempted incitement of a child to engage in sexual activity.

All of the charges relate to dates between May 1, 2020 and August 18, 2021.

At today's hearing a prosecutor told the court that a date for a PE to decide if the case goes to the Crown Court would be held on February 29.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client had subsequently lost his job since being charged. 

The case was adjourned for review until February 1 and McMonagle is currently on bail.