NORTHERN IRELAND — Suspended Catholic priest Fr Edward Gallagher, originally from Derry, has been charged with seven new child sex abuse offences, a court heard today.
The 58-year-old, who currently resides at Orchard Park in Lifford, Co Donegal, appeared before District Judge Oonagh Mullan after being temporarily released from Maghaberry Prison into the custody of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Public Protection Branch (PSNI) for further questioning.
The new charges include:
Possession of an extreme pornographic image of a child
Possession of an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child
Making and distributing indecent photographs of children
Sexual communication with a child
Two counts of causing or inciting a child under 16 to engage in or watch a sexual act
All of these alleged offences occurred on April 17, 2025, according to the prosecution.
A detective constable from the PSNI told the court he could connect the defendant to all seven charges. Fr Gallagher, who was suspended from ministry after his initial arrest in April, only spoke in court to confirm his name, address, and understanding of the charges.
Barrister Stephen Chapman, representing Gallagher, said no bail application would be made at this time. The defendant was returned to Maghaberry Prison, and the case was adjourned until July 31, when he will appear via video link.
