A priest found guilty of historic sexual abuse charges against pupils maintains his innocence and plans to appeal a sentencing hearing at Dungannon Crown Court has heard.
Canon Patrick McEntee (70) from Esker Road, Dromore denied sexual offences against five boys at St Michael’s College over various dates between 1978 and 1989.
The trial lasted just over two weeks during which the jury heard similarities in Canon McEntee taking victims to his private quarters.
The youngest described how Canon McEntee called him into a room and chastised over his behaviour in class, then touched the boy’s genitals, pulled his trousers down and sexually assaulted him.
Canon McEntee sent him off with a warning not to get into trouble again.
About three weeks later Canon McEntee took him into a study where a similar incident occurred.
On a third occasion McEntee grabbed him by the arm and said, “You’re coming with me”, but this time the victim pushed him away.
Another victim often found himself in detention which was usually in the college library, but when Canon McEntee was on duty he took him to his private quarters where he put on classical music and had the boy sit on his knee.
A third victim said his unwillingness to do homework resulted in him being sent to Canon McEntee who also described classical music playing.
Canon McEntee sat him on his knee “for a chat” then allegedly touched him under his shirt.
The final victim said Canon McEntee, “had a habit of taking him to his private quarters” when he was about 13 or 14.
He would have the boy sit on his knee and ask if he’d been good or bad, then smack his bottom.
Canon McEntee denied the allegations, insisting “None of it happened. It’s downright lies … It’s not for me to speculate as to their motives.”
But the jury didn’t agree, taking around four hours to unanimously convict on all but one charge.
Judge Richard Green ordered Canon McEntee to sign the Sex Offender register then remanded him in custody ahead of the pre-sentence reports.
On return today (Thursday) prosecution counsel Sam Magee KC said Canon McEntee had abused boys in his care as a teacher and clergy.
“This was aggravated by his position of power and fears of reporting the abuse. There was grooming with treats and deliberate manipulation of children …There was the use of private quarters and reference in interviews of using his position as a more reliable account than the victims … Having secured the silence of the victims, he secured promotion to principal.”
Mr Magee referred to a section of Canon McEntee’s pre-sentence report in which he claims there was “A conspiracy amongst his victims. This demonstrates no remorse on his part.”
Defence counsel Gary McHugh KC contended he was “hollowed” by what he could say given Canon McEntee’s stance and confirmed an appeal has been lodged against conviction.
However he disputed the prosecution assertion that Canon McEntee disused his position to be in any way “oppressive or intimidating.”
He pointed out there is no previous record which attested to good character, adding a number of witnesses had spoken of this on Canon McEntee’s behalf during the trial.
Mr McHugh further highlighted Canon McEntee’s advanced years and the difficulties a prison setting can cause.
Judge Green remarked that the manner and dates of the charges “Seem to indicate an escalating trajectory of offending.”
Mr McHugh replied, “That’s an interpretation. I’m not challenging it but that’s not to say I agree with it.”
Following consideration Judge Green decided to adjourn sentencing telling the court, “I am not yet in a position to deal with this. I wish to keep a completely open mind. A case as important as this requires very careful reflection.”
Sentencing will take place on 12 September.
