PSNI team to probe paedophile priest
Those who knew about the abuse carried out by the late Father Malachy Finnegan will also come under scrutiny.
Last updated 27th Mar 2018
A special PSNI taskforce has been set up to investigate the paedophile priest Malachy Finnegan.
While he died in 2002, the team from the Public Protection Branch wants to establish if there are any living offenders and also assess whether there are any current child safeguarding risks.
They will also be looking into who knew about Mr Finnegan's abuse at the time it was happening, what action was taken to ensure adequate safeguarding was implemented, and what steps were taken to stop him - including what information, if any, was reported to the police.
Anyone who was abused by the priest, or by someone else at St Colman's college, Newry between 1967 and 1987, is being asked to come forward and speak to the team.
The controversy surrounding the allegations against Father Finnegan led to the resignation of the Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey. It was announced yesterday he would be temporarily replaced by the former Bishop of Raphoe Philip Boyce.
Today a PSNI statement appealed for anyone who had been the victim of Father Finnegan, or anyone else at St Colman's to come forward and help their investigation:
"Please report the matter directly to the PSNI on ‘101’, the non-emergency number.
"If you have been the victim of any sexual or physical violence or abuse, whether recently or in the past, whether connected to any church or any school or not, or if you are the parent of a child this has happened to, report the matter directly to the police service on ‘101’, the non-emergency line.
"Specially trained officers will investigate what has happened to you."
If you have been affected by sexual abuse and would like help then the PSNI have suggested contacting the following organisations:
• The 24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Violence Helpline: 0800 917 1414
• Nexus NI provides rape and sexual abuse support services: 028 9032 6803 & http://nexusni.org/
• The Rowan, a specialist regional centre for victims of sexual violence and abuse that offers support and a range of medical services: free phone helpline 0800 399 4424 & www.therowan.net
All of these services can also assist and support victims in reporting the matter to the police service.