LIFE had come apart at the seams for a Catholic priest who was caught in a sex act with another man, a Belfast court was told yesterday.
Father Gerard Anthony Massey (48), who recently resigned from the Dominican Order, pleaded guilty to indecent behaviour in public toilets in Belfast.
A prosecution lawyer told the city's Magistrates' Court the RUC was keeping watch on the toilets following complaints about men hanging about. Father Massey, whose address was given as c/o Fortwilliam Park, Belfast, was seen with another man and they were later arrested. During interview, Father, Massey agreed that he had touched the other man on the penis and bottom.
The prosecution lawyer added the charge had been reduced by agreement from one of gross indecency.
A similar charge against Mr Gary O'Loan (22) from white hall Gardens, Belfast, was adjourned. His solicitor said he would be pleading not guilty.
Father Massey's solicitor said no court penalty could outweigh the priest's suffering and shame. "This was a momentary lapse in an otherwise exemplary character," said Mr Denis Maloney. "His life, in many ways, has come apart at the seams.
Pleading "for leniency, Mr Maloney said the whole affair had taken a very heavy toll on his client. "He has paid dearly medically, emotionally and spiritually."
As Father Massey was leaving the dock, the magistrate warned "If you re offend this matter will be re opened."