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Priest charged with 116 sex offences

Social Media Fr Edward Gallagher. He is wearing glasses and dark clothing, and smilingSocial Media
Edward Gallagher, 59, whose address is Maghaberry Prison, appeared at a preliminary enquiry at Londonderry Magistrates' Court on Thursday

A priest has been returned for trial to Londonderry Crown Court charged with 116 sex offences.

59-year-old Edward Gallagher, whose address is Maghaberry Prison, appeared at a preliminary enquiry at Londonderry Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The charges are said to have occurred on dates between 22 June 2023 and 18 April 2025.

They include among others sexual communication with children, attempted sexual communication with children, possessing indecent images of children and inciting children under 16 to engage in sexual activity .

Defence solicitor Derwin Harvey told the court he had gone through the charges with Gallagher and there was no need for all 116 to be read out in court.

It was accepted there was a case to answer and there were no contrary submissions.

Gallagher said he did not want to call any witnesses or make any statement at this stage.

He was returned for trial to Londonderry Crown Court on a date to be fixed and remains in custody.

Gallagher has been suspended from his duties as a priest.