NORTHERN IRELAND
BBC News
A Catholic priest went on trial on Monday accused of sexually abusing a young girl almost 30 years ago.
Belfast Crown Court heard claims that the alleged victim was abused by 69-year-old Peter Donnelly at the parochial house of St Matthew’s Church, Belfast.
The priest, from Drumaroad Hill in Castlewellan, was a curate at the time.
He denies six counts of indecent assault and one of gross indecency between 31 July 1983 and 1 August 1987.
Opening the case against him prosecuting lawyer Kate McKay warned the jury that although such offences “may raise the hackles” of people, they had to set aside any feelings of sympathy or prejudice in deciding the case.
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