Priest leaves post over abuse claims
A ROMAN Catholic priest in Northern Ireland was asked to leave his post over child abuse claims dating back to the mid-1970s, it has been announced.
Police launched an investigation into the conduct of Fr Paul Symonds when he was working in England, the Church authorities said.
Church authorities have refused to reveal where he was working in England.
He is now a curate in Ballymena and Dr Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor, addressed parishioners yesterday.
"The safeguarding and welfare of children is the paramount concern for the diocese," he said.
"Both the diocese and Fr Symonds are cooperating fully with the investigation and the diocese is liaising with the statutory child safeguarding authorities.
"As part of the diocesan safeguarding procedures, Fr Symonds was asked to cease from all public ministry pending the outcome of the investigation. He agreed to this."
He said Fr Symonds was entitled to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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