Priest Pleads Guilty to 109 Sex Offenses

Edward Gallagher, 59, has pleaded guilty to 109 sex offenses at Londonderry Crown Court. Gallagher, whose address is listed as Maghaberry Prison, is scheduled to be sentenced in December.

The charges encompass a period between June 22, 2023, and April 18, 2025. These include attempted sexual communication with a child under 16, possession of indecent images of a child, possession of an extreme pornographic image, and attempting to encourage a child to engage in sexual activity.

Gallagher entered guilty pleas to all charges when they were presented. His defense counsel, Stephen Mooney, stated that a pre-sentence report is required, acknowledging that "the facts are what they are." The judge has adjourned the case for sentencing on December 9. Gallagher remains in custody.