BishopAccountability.org
	Priest in Clear over Sex Claim Anger at Two Years Awaiting Outcome By Michael McHugh Belfast Telegraph [Northern Ireland] April 15, 2006 http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/story.jsp?story=687050 Charges against a priest accused of child sex abuse have been dropped by prosecutors, it emerged yesterday. Friends of the former parish priest in Bangor Fr James Donaghy have welcomed the decision as a vindication of his reputation. The Public Prosecution Service decided this week that Fr Donaghy should not be prosecuted because the evidence was not strong enough to provide a reasonable chance of conviction. Fr John McManus from the Down and Connor Diocese said the priest had been through a very difficult time. "I can confirm that the charges against Fr Donaghy have been dropped. Fr Donaghy has been through a very difficult two years, years of emotional and spiritual upset," he said. "They have indeed been trying years for him. A heavy burden has been lifted off his shoulders. "This has been a very difficult and demanding time for his family, his friends, his parishioners and his fellow priests. They will be more than relieved to know that no prosecution will take place." Fr Donaghy left his post at St Comgall's parish in April 2004 after allegations were made to police by two people. A letter from the Bishop of Down and Connor Patrick Walsh was read out to Mass-goers at the time advising that the priest and Church authorities would be cooperating with detectives. He later found work at Belfast International Airport. It is unclear if he is going to return to his former position in Bangor. According to the Irish News, Fr Donaghy said in a statement issued by his solicitors that he was "disappointed and angry" that it had taken more than two years for a decision to be reached. "Fr James Donaghy volunteered to take leave from his position as parish priest of Bangor in April 2004 following allegations made against him to police by two individuals," the statement read. "At that time Fr Donaghy made it clear tha he was absolutely innocent of any wrong doing."
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.