NORTHER IRELAND
UTV
A retired Catholic priest has denied defrauding his former Co Down parish of nearly £150,000 over a 19-month period up to October 2009.
Fr Conleth Byrne, 78, allegedly paid monies to a woman from the funds of his former parish of Loughinisland in the Diocese of Down and Connor.
No details surrounding the fraud were given to Downpatrick Crown Court on Tuesday, as his trial, expected to last three to four days, was fixed for the end of January in the New Year.
Initially Fr Byrne appeared apprehensive when asked to confirm his date of birth before being asked for address, which he gave as the “guest house in Portglenone Monastery”.
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