Northern Ireland

Ex-GAA treasurer appears in court on further sex abuse charges

 Thomas McKenna is facing a string of further charges after appearing in court today
 Thomas McKenna is facing a string of further charges after appearing in court today  Thomas McKenna is facing a string of further charges after appearing in court today

FORMER GAA club treasurer Thomas McKenna is facing fresh sex abuse charges after appearing in court in Newry today.

The  58-year-old already faces charges linked to nine people which allegedly took place over a period of 30 years from 1988 to his arrest last August.

The extra charges relate to the alleged sexual abuse of three more people

McKenna is already facing 17 charges with the 11 additional including attempted rape and sexual assault.

Yesterday District Judge Eamon King ordered that McKenna be released into police custody to be questioned over the further allegations.

He appeared in Banbridge Magistrates Court, sitting in Newry, today where the new  charges were put to him.

McKenna, from Woodside Park in Bessbrook, Co Armagh, was charged with a total of 11 offences against three males" on "numerous dates".

As well as the sex abuse charges the retired postman, who was treasurer for Crossmaglen Rangers, is further alleged to have interfered with mail during his time of employment.

Previous courts have heard that the “serious and complex investigation” involves alleged victims who claim McKenna took photos and videos of them at locations without their permission.

In court today McKenna confirmed his identity and that he understood the charges.

As there was no bail application, District Judge Paul Copeland remanded McKenna back into custody and ordered him to appear again via videolink on February 13.