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A former priest was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of eight counts of historical indecent assault against four boys. The judge at Dungannon Crown Court labeled Canon Patrick McEntee, 71, from Esker Road in Dromore, County Tyrone, as a “predatory paedophile” who exploited children under his care. The assaults occurred between the late 1970s and late 1980s, with the victims being boys aged between 11 and 17 years old.
It was revealed during the trial that McEntee, who worked as a teacher at St Michael’s College in Enniskillen, would take the boys into his private quarters where some of them were subjected to inappropriate touching or made to sit on his lap. Despite portraying himself as a caring Christian figure to those around him, McEntee used this facade to target vulnerable children, as stated by Judge Sherrard in court.
Following his conviction on four counts of indecent assault on one boy between 1988 and 1989, McEntee’s defense team highlighted his previously clean record and intention to appeal the verdict. The judge emphasized the courage of the victims in coming forward and condemned McEntee for showing no remorse for his actions. The lasting impact of the abuse on the victims was underscored, with McEntee deemed a medium risk for reoffending and required to be on the sex offenders register indefinitely.
Meanwhile, McEntee’s family expressed their disbelief at the verdict, standing by his innocence and offering their unwavering support as he deals with the aftermath of the trial. The judge’s sentencing highlighted the severity of McEntee’s crimes and the crucial role of the survivors in seeking justice, shedding light on the tragic consequences of his predatory behavior on the lives of the victims
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