Priest pleads guilty to 109 sex offences
Edward Gallagher admitted all charges after prosecutors alleged abuse-related offences involving children over nearly two years.
- On Monday, October 5, 2026, Father Edward Gallagher, 59, pleaded guilty to 109 sex offenses at Derry Crown Court involving child exploitation spanning June 22, 2023, to April 18, 2025.
- Bishop Michael Router announced he is petitioning the Holy See to immediately dismiss Gallagher from the clerical state after the Diocese of Derry paused canonical proceedings to avoid complicating the criminal investigation.
- Calling the priesthood 'a sacred trust,' Router stated that conduct of this nature represents 'a radical betrayal' wholly incompatible with priestly ministry, vowing to treat the case with exceptional gravity.
- Judge Roseanne McCormick KC adjourned the case for sentencing on December 9, 2026, as Gallagher remains in custody at Maghaberry Prison and defence counsel Stephen Mooney noted 'the facts are what they are.'
- The Diocese remains committed to supporting those affected, encouraging anyone with concerns to contact Designated Liaison Person Marie O'Kane, as the Church promises to listen respectfully to potential victims coming forward.
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Catholic World Report
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Priest in Northern Ireland pleads guilty to 109 sex offenses
A priest from the Diocese of Derry has pleaded to guilty to 109 sex offenses, including attempting to encourage a child to engage in sexual activity. Edward Gallagher, 59, pleaded guilty in Londonderry Crown Court and will be sentenced in December this year for the offenses that took place between June 22 2023 and April 18 2025. He is currently in custody after being detained outside a hotel in the Waterside area of Derry in April last year. The…
New Derry bishop vows to seek 'most serious penalty available under Church law' for paedophile priest Eddie Gallagher
The new Catholic Bishop of Derry Michael Router has vowed that the diocese will ‘move immediately to seek the most serious penalty available under Church law’ for paedophile priest Fr Edward Gallagher.
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