Bishop apologises over alleged abuse by priest

A senior Catholic Bishop has apologised to the alleged victims of a deceased parish priest.

In a statement, the Bishop of Down and Connor, Alan McGuckian, said that his diocese had received several "credible allegations of sexual abuse" against Fr Patrick O'Neill.

The statement revealed that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor was received by the diocese in 2004 and another similar allegation was made "recently".

In addition three allegations of sexual abuse of adults, manipulation and abuse of power were made against Fr O'Neill and received by the diocese in 2003, 2005 and 2006.

Following the allegation made in 2004, Fr O'Neill was "stepped aside" from his ministry in the Parish of Arkeen in Kirkistown, County Down.

He remained permanently out of ministry until his death in November 2009.

Bishop McGuckian has said that at the time that Fr O'Neill was asked to step aside, "a statement was drafted by the diocese at this time but was not issued".

"This statement would have empowered other victims to come forward," he said.

"This failure to issue a statement has also compounded the hurt endured by his victims and their families."

The Bishop said that failure to issue a statement "is a matter of deep regret by the diocese".

Bishop McGuckian said the allegations made against Fr O'Neill were passed to the police.

In December 2005, the Public Prosecution Service directed that there would be no prosecution brought against Fr O'Neill.

Speaking on behalf of the Diocese of Down and Connor, Bishop McGuckian said that he wished to "extend my deepest sorrow and unreserved apology to all those who have courageously come forward and to each of their families".

"I fully accept that no apology can undo the damage, hurt, trauma and pain that has been caused to the victims and their families," he added.