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Former Sinn Fein press officer to face preliminary enquiry on charges of sexual activity with a child next month

Former senior Sinn Féin press officer, Michael McMonagle failed to appear before Derry Magistrate's court to answer child sex abuse charges.
Former senior Sinn Féin press officer Michael McMonagle

A former Sinn Féin press officer will face a preliminary enquiry on charges of sexual activity with a child on February 29.

Michael McMonagle (42) of Limewood Street in Derry is facing three charges of sexual communication with a child, attempted to engage a child in sexual activity and attempted incitement of a child to engage in sexual activity.

All of the charges relate to dates between May 1 2020 and August 18 2021.

At a hearing at Derry Magistrates Court on Thursday, a prosecutor said a date for a preliminary enquiry to decide if the case goes to the Crown Court would be held on February 29.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client had subsequently lost his job since being charged.

The case was adjourned for review until February 1 and McMonagle is currently on bail.