Catholic priest appears in court charged with attempted child sex offence

A Catholic priest has appeared in court charged with attempted sexual communication with a child.

Fr Edward Gallagher, of Orchard Park, Lifford, County Donegal, appeared via video-link at a special hearing of Londonderry Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Dungannon.

A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officer told the court he could connect Mr Gallagher to the offences which were alleged to have taken place between 2 and 17 April.

The priest spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charge.

No application for bail was made.

The case will return to court in May.