Priest in "Indecent Images" Row in Pomeroy Exonerated
BBC News
It is understood a meeting in Pomeroy to discuss the investigation of a parish priest has been told he has been exonerated. Father Martin McVeigh has been under investigation after indecent images were shown to a public meeting in a primary school three weeks ago. Parents from the school met representatives from the Archdiocese of Armagh on Friday evening. Fr McVeigh remains parish priest but is taking a temporary leave of absence. It is understood that parents and parishioners were told during the meeting that Fr McVeigh had been found guilty of no crime following a church investigation. They also heard that the PSNI had found no crime had been committed and that social services said there were no child protection issues. Those present were told Fr McVeigh will continue as parish priest. The Catholic Church said a further meeting would be held. Investigation In a statement, the Archdiocese of Armagh said Fr McVeigh, at his own request, has asked for temporary leave and Cardinal Sean Brady had agreed to his request without prejudice to any of the parties involved. An investigation was launched after the indecent pictures were "inadvertently" shown during the meeting for parents in preparation for First Holy Communion at St Mary's School on 26 March. One child was also present. The parents claimed the images were projected onto the screen from a memory stick the parish priest had inserted into a computer before the presentation. The parents said Fr McVeigh quickly removed the memory stick. The priest said he had no knowledge of the offending imagery. Following the incident Cardinal Sean Brady said the PSNI had indicated that no crime had been committed. Parishioners had wanted Fr McVeigh to attend Friday's meeting. The Catholic Church described the meeting as inconclusive and said a further meeting would be held.
|
.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.