Former Priest, James Martin Donaghy, Faces Child Sex Abuse Trial

BBC News
October 22, 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20033929

Mr Donaghy appeared before Belfast Magistrates Court where a judge ruled he must stand trial

A former priest from County Antrim is to stand trial accused of child sexual abuse offences which allegedly took place more than 20 years ago.

James Martin Donaghy, 54, from Jersey Avenue in Lisburn, is charged with four counts of indecently assaulting a boy.

The alleged offences were committed in Belfast between January and May 1989.

Mr Donaghy, who left the priesthood a number of years ago, faces a further charge of common assault against the same person.

The accused appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday for a preliminary enquiry hearing.

District Judge, Fiona Bagnall, backed prosecution submissions that he has a case to answer.

She directed that Mr Donaghy be returned for trial to Belfast Crown Court on a date to be fixed.

The accused was remanded into custody until that hearing gets underway.