Case of Alleged False Priest Sacking in Ayrshire Is Suddenly Dropped

By Catherine Hunter
Carrick Herald
October 6, 2016

http://www.carrickherald.com/news/14779317.Case_of_alleged_false_priest_sacking_in_Ayrshire_is_suddenly_dropped/

Case of alleged false priest sacking in Ayrshire is suddenly dropped

ALLEGATIONS that an Ayrshire priest had been removed from the Diocese of Galloway unfairly have been dropped before coming to a tribunal.

Father Patrick Lawson (pictured) claimed that as a seminarian, he as well as two altar boys, was abused in 1996 by Father Paul Moore, a parish priest at St Quivox Church in Prestwick.

The Diocese of Galloway 2015 Annual Reports and Accounts reported: “During 2015, the Diocese faced a potential claim for unfair dismissal from a parish priest.

“As of February 2016, the case was dropped by the claimant before coming to court. No settlement was made in favour of the claimant and both sides met their legal costs.

The cost of the Dioceses in 2015 was ?3,678 with further payments of ?25,098 made in 2016.”

At the time Father Lawson opined he was removed as parish priest of St Sophia’s in Galston in September 2013 following his 18 year dispute when he spoke out against Father Moore.

Fr Lawson, who was recovering from cancer at the time, is believed to have been removed from the Diocese of Galloway after being sent the decree, which forced him to hand over the keys of his parish house.

He was appointed by Bishop Cunningham in 2005 to St Sophia’s in Galston and St Paul’s in Hurlford.

Lawson’s removal followed his decision to arrange cover for the smaller of his two parishes, St Paul’s, Hurlford, after becoming ill.

Doctors had advised him to reduce his duties. Lawson was still removed on the grounds he had caused “division” and was too ill to work, despite doctors’ written assurances that he simply needed to do less.

At the time Lawson said to our sister paper the Herald: “They waited until I was at my weakest.

“It didn’t matter that it took them eighteen years.”

Peter Kearney, director of the Scottish Catholic Media Office said: “Father Lawson was asked to change Parish but he did not want to. He went to an employment tribunal.

“They then dropped the case which cost both sides money.”

It is understood there are ongoing legal proceedings against Father Paul Moore for these alleged sexual abuse incidents.

No court date has yet been set or confirmed.