Ex-Catholic school head charged with sex offences

Accused: Paul Dunleavy A FORMER primary school principal is to stand trial accused of sexual offences against nine boys, a judge ordered yesterday.

Christian Brother Paul Dunleavy appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court to face a total of 41 charges.

The 82-year-old, with an address at the Province Centre, Griffith Avenue in Dublin, is alleged to have committed multiple counts of indecent assault and gross indecency towards a child. He is also accused of attempted buggery and inciting gross indecency. The charges span a 10-year period between 1969 and 1978.

At the time Dunleavy taught at the now-closed St Colman’s Abbey Primary School in Newry. During a preliminary enquiry hearing he confirmed he understood the allegations against him. Prosecutors submitted that he has a prima facie case to answer.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall granted an application to have the accused returned for Crown Court trial on a date to be fixed, the Courts Service confirmed. Dunleavy was released on continuing bail of £500 until then.