A court in Derry heard how a suspended priest accused of child sexual abuse, has been charged with 116 offences.
59 year old, Edward Gallagher, a former parish priest and curate in the Derry diocese, appeared from Maghaberry Prison via video-link at Derry's Magistrates' Court, and his case was committed to the Crown Court, following a preliminary enquiry.
In total, Mr Gallagher faces 116 charges, which were alleged to have been committed from 1 April 2025 onwards.
In court, Mr Gallagher confirmed that he had received a copy of the prosecution papers, which he has reviewed, and said he understood the allegations made against him.
He was asked if he wished to say anything regarding the charges, and if he wished to tender any written statement of evidence, both of which he offered the same response: "not at this stage".
His committing to the Crown Court was granted after an application was sought for arraignment on a date to be fixed while he remains in custody. This application was granted and the related holding charges were also withdrawn. He has been in custody for 12 months.
The court approved the request from the date of the hearing, while mentioning that a separate application from senior counsel was also submitted and expected to be considered at a later stage.
Gallagher was arrested and charged after being confronted by a group of people outside a hotel in the Waterside are of Derry on 17 April 2025.
Edward Gallagher had initially faced seven charges of child sex abuse, which allegedly happened between April 2 and April 17 last year, the date of his arrest.
He was also a former parish priest at Molville in Co Donegal, and Greencastle and Badoney Lower in Co Tyrone. Gallagher also worked as a curate in the parish of Limavady in Cappagh, Co Tyrone and Holy Family in Derry.
Prior to his suspension, Gallagher also worked as an administrator at Long Tower Parish, Derry, and was a former associate pastor and pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in the city.
