Priest Suspended in Co down, Irish Times, May 11, 2011

Priest Suspended in Co down

Irish Times
May 11, 2011

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0511/breaking53.html

Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey said the allegation was reported to the PSNI and National Board for Safeguarding Children.

A Co Down priest has been suspended as police investigate an allegation of sexual abuse against him.

The priest from the Diocese of Dromore will not be exercising ministry while the PSNI investigation is taking place, the catholic church said. The cleric denies the allegation.

Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey told his parishioners in Donaghmore in Co Down about the suspension at weekend masses.

The bishop said when the allegation was made it was reported immediately to the PSNI and the National Board for Safeguarding Children.

“In accordance with the church safeguarding policy the priest concerned will not be exercising ministry during the investigation,” he said.

“It is important to stress that what has been received is an allegation.

“The priest against whom the allegation is made denies any wrongdoing and continues to be entitled to the presumption of innocence.”