A LOCAL priest has been sent forward for trial at the Crown Court on a second set of indecent assault charges, relating to over 40 years ago.
Canon Patrick McEntee (69) from Esker Road, Dromore was previously sent forward for trial on three charges of indecent assault in relation to alleged incidents between 1980 and 1981, and between 1988 and 1989.
McEntee appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court this morning (Wednesday) for a preliminary enquiry (PE) on three more charges of indecent assault, this time relating to three alleged victims, with the charges spanning the years 1978 and 1983.
McEntee’s defence team made no contrary submission for the PE, after the charges were put to him. When asked if he would like to call any witnesses or submit any evidence for the purpose of the PE, McEntee replied “not at this stage.”
Both the Public Prosecution Service and the district judge stated that, based on the papers before the court, McEntee had a case to answer.
The case was adjourned to Dungannon Crown Court on September 17. He was remanded on continuing bail of £500.
McEntee had already been returned for trial on the initial charges in January.
The former president of St Michael’s College requested a leave of absence last year while a serious safeguarding investigation was carried out.
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