A former priest has been jailed for four years at Downpatrick Crown Court yesterday following his fourth conviction for child sex abuse.
Daniel Curran (61), Bryansford Avenue, Newcastle, Co Down, pleaded guilty to five charges of indecently assaulting two boys between 1989 and 1994.
The court heard how the one-time parish priest of St Paul’s in west Belfast said he could not remember how many young boys he had preyed upon because he had a drink problem at the time.
However, Judge David Smyth QC revealed he had abused “at least 13 victims” over nearly 17 years. He also noted how records from when Curran was sent to England by the Catholic Church for treatment had been asked for but had not been received..
The Bishop of Down and Connor Dr Noel Treanor last night apologised on behalf of the church for the pain and distress caused by Curran to his victims.