Priest who served in Belize accused of child sex offence in Northern Ireland

Published by [email protected] at April 20, 2025

Posted: Sunday, April 20, 2025. 3:34 pm CST.

By Horace Palacio: Father Edward Gallagher, a Catholic priest from County Donegal, Ireland—who once served in Belize’s Cayo District—has appeared in court in connection with serious charges involving a child.

The 58-year-old priest is currently assigned to the Clonleigh, Camus, and Leckpatrick parishes in Northern Ireland. For context, Donegal is a rural county in the northwest of Ireland, near the border with Northern Ireland. The small village of Camus is located in this region, while Londonderry (also known as Derry), where the court hearing took place, is a city in Northern Ireland about an hour’s drive from Donegal.

Gallagher was arrested in Derry after being confronted by a group of self-styled “paedophile hunters” who filmed an alleged attempt by the priest to communicate inappropriately with a child. The footage, which circulated widely on social media, led to his arrest and a special hearing at the Londonderry Magistrates’ Court, which temporarily sat in the town of Dungannon for this case.

He is accused of attempted sexual communication with a child between April 2 and April 17, 2025. During the court session, Gallagher spoke only to confirm his identity and that he understood the charge. No bail application was made.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) presented evidence linking him to the alleged offences. The case was adjourned until May.

The news has triggered concern in Belize, especially in the Cayo community where Gallagher once served. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities are urging the public to allow the legal process to unfold.

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