FOLLOWING Steele's sentencing yesterday, the Irish provincial of the Holy Ghost Congregation issued the following statement:

"Following the conviction of Father Joseph Steele today, I wish to acknowledge the grave wrong which has been done to those people who were sexually abused during childhood by him.

It is profoundly distressing to the Holy Ghost Congregation that a member of our community has offended in this way.

"I offer my deep sorrow and the sorrow of the Holy Ghost Congregation for the hurt which has been caused to these people and to their families.

"It will be some relief to them that the criminal process is now at an end. I hope that today's conviction will be a step towards healing their pain and anguish.

"Father Steele served as a curate in a number of parishes in Belfast between 1969 and 1991. These offences occurred during that time. His appointment was terminated by the Bishop of Down and Connor following a complaint against him by members of a family that he had sexually assaulted them a number of years previously. He returned to our community and was referred for assessment and treatment to a psychiatrist.

"At the conclusion of a lengthy period of treatment a report was received from the psychiatrist advising that Father Steele was fit to resume parish work. Relying upon that report, Father Steele was permitted to undertake a parish assignment in England.

That assignment was terminated in October 1994 following representation by the family who had complained previously in Belfast. Since that time Father Steele has not held any pastoral appointment.

"As Father Steele's community, we share in the shame associated with the wrongdoing of which he has now been convicted. We are conscious also of the suffering of Father Steele at this time. We are aware, too, of the distress that his family are experiencing.

"As a community our prayers and thoughts are with those who have been abused, their families', and all those who are affected by these sad events."