Menu
10/03/2011
Priest Takes Leave Pending Abuse Probe
One of the most senior priests in the Down and Connor diocese has taken leave of his duties following allegations of abuse against him.
The Diocesan Child Safeguarding office received the allegations in late January.
The priest, Father John McManus, who is based in the parish of Ballygalget on the Ards peninsula, is a former press spokesperson for the diocese and a member of its committee which oversees the safeguarding of children.
The police have begun investigating the allegations, while, in a statement Fr McManus said he denied the allegations "wholeheartedly" and that he had co-operated fully with the inquiry.
In the statement he also asked people to pray for all those hurt by abuse and also to pray for him.
A statement from the Bishop of Down and Connor, Bishop Noel Treanor, confirmed that the allegations were first received six weeks ago on 27 January and a safeguarding team then reported the allegations to the police and social services the following day.
Bishop Treanor said that restrictions on Fr McManus' ministry and role in the diocese were discussed with and approved by the police, the social services and with the Diocesan Advisory Panel and that they met child-safeguarding concerns.
In the statement Bishop Treanor also said the PSNI had commenced an inquiry into the allegations, and that the diocese was fully co-operating with the police inquiry.
Earlier this week, survivors of 'historical' institutional abuse - such as that by nuns and priests - in Northern Ireland were helping to shape the way ahead for an official probe.
The first consultation with the NI Taskforce got underway on Tuesday as part of a plan to decide the format and remit of a proposed abuse inquiry.
Last December, the Stormont Executive announced that an inquiry into institutional abuse would be held following intensive lobbying of ministers by victims and have now said the official 'Interdepartmental Taskforce on Historical Institutional Abuse' consultation with victims and survivors is officially underway.
See: Clerical Abuse Consultation Underway
(JG/GK)
The Diocesan Child Safeguarding office received the allegations in late January.
The priest, Father John McManus, who is based in the parish of Ballygalget on the Ards peninsula, is a former press spokesperson for the diocese and a member of its committee which oversees the safeguarding of children.
The police have begun investigating the allegations, while, in a statement Fr McManus said he denied the allegations "wholeheartedly" and that he had co-operated fully with the inquiry.
In the statement he also asked people to pray for all those hurt by abuse and also to pray for him.
A statement from the Bishop of Down and Connor, Bishop Noel Treanor, confirmed that the allegations were first received six weeks ago on 27 January and a safeguarding team then reported the allegations to the police and social services the following day.
Bishop Treanor said that restrictions on Fr McManus' ministry and role in the diocese were discussed with and approved by the police, the social services and with the Diocesan Advisory Panel and that they met child-safeguarding concerns.
In the statement Bishop Treanor also said the PSNI had commenced an inquiry into the allegations, and that the diocese was fully co-operating with the police inquiry.
Earlier this week, survivors of 'historical' institutional abuse - such as that by nuns and priests - in Northern Ireland were helping to shape the way ahead for an official probe.
The first consultation with the NI Taskforce got underway on Tuesday as part of a plan to decide the format and remit of a proposed abuse inquiry.
Last December, the Stormont Executive announced that an inquiry into institutional abuse would be held following intensive lobbying of ministers by victims and have now said the official 'Interdepartmental Taskforce on Historical Institutional Abuse' consultation with victims and survivors is officially underway.
See: Clerical Abuse Consultation Underway
(JG/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 April 2019
Belfast Man Jailed For Domestic Abuse Offences
A 33-year-old man from Belfast has been jailed after he was convicted of domestic abuse offences. The defendant was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, half to be served in custody and half on licence, after pleading guilty to common assault and attempting to choke his partner with intent to commit false imprisonment.
Belfast Man Jailed For Domestic Abuse Offences
A 33-year-old man from Belfast has been jailed after he was convicted of domestic abuse offences. The defendant was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, half to be served in custody and half on licence, after pleading guilty to common assault and attempting to choke his partner with intent to commit false imprisonment.
28 March 2018
Three Released Over Historical Child Abuse Allegations
Three people arrested in connection with historical child abuse allegations in Co Down have been released pending further enquiries. Two men and a woman were detained by police in the Ballynahinch and Killyleagh areas on Tuesday, 27 March. They were questioned at Antrim Serious Crime Suite and have been released.
Three Released Over Historical Child Abuse Allegations
Three people arrested in connection with historical child abuse allegations in Co Down have been released pending further enquiries. Two men and a woman were detained by police in the Ballynahinch and Killyleagh areas on Tuesday, 27 March. They were questioned at Antrim Serious Crime Suite and have been released.
27 March 2018
Three People Arrested Over Historical Child Abuse Allegations
Three people have been arrested in connection with historical child abuse allegations in Co Down. Two men and a woman were detained in the Ballynahinch and Killyleagh areas on Tuesday, 27 March. They have been taken to Antrim Serious Crime Suite for questioning.
Three People Arrested Over Historical Child Abuse Allegations
Three people have been arrested in connection with historical child abuse allegations in Co Down. Two men and a woman were detained in the Ballynahinch and Killyleagh areas on Tuesday, 27 March. They have been taken to Antrim Serious Crime Suite for questioning.
09 July 2014
Amnesty Calls For Kincora Boys' Inclusion In Abuse Inquiry
Belfast's Kincora Boys' Home should be included in a new inquiry into historical child sex abuse launched by Home Secretary Theresa May, Amnesty International has said. The Kincora Boys’ Home is currently part of an ongoing public inquiry launched into historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland, which began public hearings in January.
Amnesty Calls For Kincora Boys' Inclusion In Abuse Inquiry
Belfast's Kincora Boys' Home should be included in a new inquiry into historical child sex abuse launched by Home Secretary Theresa May, Amnesty International has said. The Kincora Boys’ Home is currently part of an ongoing public inquiry launched into historical institutional abuse in Northern Ireland, which began public hearings in January.
09 July 2019
Tributes As Abuse Inquiry Chair Dies
Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of Sir Anthony Hart, the chairman of the Historical Abuse Inquiry. The former high court judge was 73 when he passed away in London this morning, Tuesday 09 July.
Tributes As Abuse Inquiry Chair Dies
Tributes have been paid following the sudden death of Sir Anthony Hart, the chairman of the Historical Abuse Inquiry. The former high court judge was 73 when he passed away in London this morning, Tuesday 09 July.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
