NI Priest Acquitted of Charges, U.TV [Northern Ireland], May 24, 2007

NI Priest Acquitted of Charges

U.TV [Northern Ireland]
May 24, 2007

http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=82484&pt=n

A County Derry priest faces the possibility of a retrial after a jury failed to reach a verdict on two charges alleging he had sexually abused a teenage girl 30 years ago.

Fr Patrick Joseph Crilly, 63, from Tobermore Road in Desertmartin, was acquitted by majority verdicts, of two counts of indecently assaulting the girl between November 20, 1978 and November 19, 1980.

However, following an eight day long trial at Derry Crown Court, the jury were divided on two other similar offences alleged to have taken place between April 1, 1977, and Novermber 19, 1978, allegedly starting when the girl was aged 15.

The abuse is alleged to have taken place in the Derry Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Bishops Street when the woman who is now aged 45, and cannot be named, discussed with Fr Crilly the possibility of her becoming a nun.

Fr Crilly was released on continuing bail pending a decision by the public prosecution service whether or not to seek a retrial on the two outstanding charges.