Warrant for arrest of ‘Fr Ted’ actor Gerard McSorley

A warrant has been issued in Co Donegal for the arrest of Fr Ted actor Gerard McSorley who is accused of causing criminal damage to flower pots.

Gardaí have two months in which to serve the warrant before the case is called before Dungloe District Court again.

The court heard Mr McSorley is charged with damaging two flower pots at the Bank of Ireland in Bunbeg in the Donegal Gaeltacht on June 16th.

McSorley (66), of Cúl Na Toinne, Magheraclogher, Bunbeg, has appeared in several films and tv plays but is best known for playing Fr Todd Unctious in Fr Ted.

It was the first time the summons appeared on Judge Paul Kelly’s list and the actor was not present in court when the case was first called.

Inspector David Murphy said he was applying for a warrant for the actor's arrest, but defence solicitor Jacqui Sharkey asked for the case to be put back for a second call.

When the case was called again later in the day, Ms Sharkey said she was unable to contact  McSorley.

Judge Kelly issued a warrant for the actor’s arrest and told Ms Sharkey she could arrange with gardaí for it to be served with discretion. He adjourned the hearing to September 13th.