City priest ‘ stunned’ over sexual abuse claims against girls

APRIEST claimed he was stunned after learning he faced allegations of sexual abuse against four girls. Father Neil McGarrity, 58, is on trial accused of carrying out the crimes at various churches in the East End, and his parish house between December 2018 and February 2020.

McGarrity, of the city’s Germiston, denies two charges of sexual assault against a girl at Glasgow Sheriff Court. He also pleaded not guilty to a further two charges of sexual assault and engaging in sexual activity with other girls.

McGarrity told the trial in his evidence that he was made aware of the allegations after a phone call from his archbishop in May 2020.

Billy Lavelle, defending, asked the priest of 33 years what his reaction was.

McGarrity replied: “I was stunned.”

The lawyer had earlier asked McGarrity if there was any truth to the allegations.

McGarrity responded: “There was truth in so far as some of the things I did and didn’t do.”

Mr Lavelle asked: “Was there anything sexual on your part?”

McGarrity replied: “No, not at all.”

The lawyer put an allegation made to him by a 14- year- old girl who stated that McGarrity had hugged her. The priest stated that he did put his hand on her shoulder.

McGarrity stated that he picked up training on hugging while in the USA.

He denied there being anything sexual behind the hug.

Mr Lavelle mentioned another allegation from the girl who claimed her arm was stroked while sitting on a swinging chair with him at his parish home.

McGarrity claimed that the particular chair was removed months before the alleged incident took place.

He stated that there was no physical contact between the pair and he only put the television on for her.

The priest did admit to rubbing the girl’s sore foot and doing a prayer after receiving permission from her parents.

Mr Lavelle asked how the girl reacted to that. He replied: “She was happy and took her shoe and sock off.”

McGarrity then denied a further allegation that he put his hand round her older sister aged 15 or 16 and a 14- year- old girl’s waist on the same night.

The court heard the girl contacted Childline about McGarrity. Mr Lavelle asked: “You didn’t have any knowledge that she did this while her mum was present for advice?” McGarrity replied: “Yes.” He then stated he did not know why the girl called Childline.

The trial continues.