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Priest Edward Gallagher pleads guilty to 109 sex offences in Londonderry
Overview
Edward Gallagher, a 59-year-old priest, has pleaded guilty at Londonderry Crown Court to 109 sex offences committed between June 2023 and April 2025. He remains in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on 9 December. The Catholic Bishop of Derry, Michael Router, has stated he is petitioning the Vatican for Gallagher's immediate dismissal from the priesthood.
Key points
- Edward Gallagher, 59, pleaded guilty to 109 sex offences at Londonderry Crown Court.
- The offences, which include attempted sexual communication with a child and possessing indecent images, occurred between 22 June 2023 and 18 April 2025.
- Gallagher is being held at Maghaberry Prison and will be sentenced on 9 December.
- Catholic Bishop of Derry Michael Router is petitioning the Holy See for Gallagher's immediate dismissal from the priesthood.
- The Diocese of Derry stated it has fully cooperated with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and statutory authorities.