Derry priest Edward Gallagher accused of child sex offences changes legal team

A Catholic priest who is currently in custody on attempted sexual communication with a child charges and other related offences has changed his legal representation Derry Magistrate's Court heard today. 

Edward Gallagher (58) of Orchard Park in Lifford County Donegal had been charged with one count of attempted sexual communication with a child on dates between April 2 and April 17 2025 and seven further offences including inciting a child to engage in sexual activity and causing a child to watch sexual activity on April 17 this year as well as charges of possessing indecent images of children. 

When his case was mentioned today solicitor Derwin Harvey told the court that he was now representing Gallagher as the defendant had changed his legal team.

He asked the court for an update on the case and was told that the case was still at 'the investigation stage' and was still ongoing.

Mr Harvey said that the defendant had been in custody for some seven months and had served the equivalent of a 14 month sentence and the fact that the case was still at the investigation stage was of some concern. 

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He asked that the Investigating officer be present at the next appearance to provide the court with an update.

District Judge Oonagh Mullan said that these were 'extremely serious charges' but the casecoukd be reviewed on December. 

The case was adjourned until December 4.