PSNI to question priest charged with attempted sexual communication with a child over possible new offences

A priest currently in custody on a charge of attempted sexual communication with a child has appeared at Derry Magistrates' Court where he was released into police custody for further questioning.

Edward Gallagher (58) of Orchard Park in Lifford County Donegal is charged with attempted sexual communication with a child on dates between April 2 and April 17, 2025.

At today's sitting Gallagher appeared and a PSNI Inspector told the court police wanted to take him back into police custody for a period of three days to question him in regards to seven possible new offences.

There was no objection from Gallagher's defence team to the application and District Judge Conor Heaney released Gallagher into police custody for a period of three days.