POLICE IN Northern Ireland investigating a Catholic priest over alleged child sex abuse offences are still to speak to potential witnesses outside of the North, a court heard yesterday.
Fr James Donaghy (52) is facing 15 charges, including multiple counts of indecent assault and threats to kill.
The offences are alleged to have been committed by the former Bangor parish priest between 1983 and 2000.
Fr Donaghy, of Lady Wallace Drive, Lisburn, Co Antrim, has stood down from clerical duties but is still regarded as a member of the Catholic clergy.
He is reported to have been working for an airline handling agent at Belfast International Airport prior to being charged earlier this year.
Following an earlier hearing he appeared again before Belfast Magistrates Court yesterday for an update on the case.
A representative from the Public Prosecution Service said: “The officer has still to speak to a number of people who, at present, are not in this country.”
Fr Donaghy was released on continuing bail to appear again later this month.