Northern Ireland

Former Catholic school head Paul Dunleavy in court over child abuse claims

Paul Dunleavy is facing 41 charges 
Paul Dunleavy is facing 41 charges  Paul Dunleavy is facing 41 charges 

A former primary school principal is to stand trial accused of sexual offences against nine boys, a judge ordered today.

Christian Brother Paul Dunleavy appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court to face a total of 41 charges.

The 82-year-old, with an address at the Province Centre, Griffith Avenue in Dublin, allegedly committed multiple counts of indecent assault and gross indecency towards a child.

The charges span a ten-year period between 1969 and 1978.

At the time Dunleavy taught at the now-closed St Colman's Abbey Primary School in Newry.

During a preliminary enquiry hearing he confirmed that he understood the allegations against him.

Prosecutors submitted that he has a prima facie case to answer.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall granted an application to have the accused returned for Crown Court trial on a date to be fixed, the Courts Service confirmed.

Dunleavy was released on continuing bail of £500 until those proceedings get underway. ends