January 23, 2005

Priest admits abuse claim payout

NORTHERN IRELAND
BBC News

A priest has admitted that he is the clergyman behind a sex abuse case in Dungiven in which a five figure compensation payout was made.

Father Andy McCluskey, a curate at St Patrick's Church, Dungiven, told parishioners he had made a mistake for which he was now paying dearly.

The man who was paid the compensation claimed Fr McCluskey made a sexual advance to him in 1992.

Fr McCluskey said he has asked Bishop Seamus Hegarty for a leave of absence.

The allegations relate to an incident at a parochial house, involving an 18-year-old man.

Posted by kshaw at January 23, 2005 07:47 AM