Statement from the Diocese of Down and Connor in Response to the Not
Guilty verdict and acquittal in the case against Fr Peter Donnelly.The Diocese of Down and Connor has learned today of the “Not Guilty” verdict in the acquittal of Fr Peter Donnelly on six counts of indecent assault and one of gross indecency against an individual dating back to the 1980’s.
In September 2010, Fr Donnelly had voluntarily stepped aside from ministry to assist the investigation by the civil authorities.
Following the decision today of the Crown Court, the normal review under the Church’s Safeguarding policy and procedures and its own internal process, which had been suspended for the course of the statutory investigation and civil proceedings will now resume.
We continue to encourage anyone who has a concern of a safeguarding nature to contact the PSNI, Social Services, or the Diocesan Designated Safeguarding Officer (Telephone 02890 492783).