A FORMER altar boy who is alleging sex abuse by a priest more than 20 years ago denied in Armagh Crown Court yesterday that he was telling "obscene lies".
The civil servant (30) was being questioned on the third day of the trial by a barrister for Father Edward Kilpatrick, parish priest of Murlough, in Co Donegal.
The priest (53) has pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of gross indecency and indecent assault of two altar boys dating back to March 1975 when he was a curate in Steelstown parish in Derry.
The man who cannot be named for legal reasons, rejected an allegation by senior defence counsel, Mr Eugene Grant QC, that he believed a conviction in the case would guarantee a big compensation claim by him.
The alleged victim replied: "That's not the case" when challenged by Mr Grant that he was telling "obscene lies to help and support a fellow homosexual and to claim big money at the end of the case".
Earlier, in evidence, the man had denied he was a passive homosexual. He insisted he had no recollection of mixing with the other complainant, a 33 year old teacher, as a boy.
Jurors heard that the alleged victim has been granted legal aid to bring a civil action against the Bishop of Derry, Dr Seamus Hegarty, his predecessor, Dr Edward Daly, and Father Kilpatrick.
During questioning, he maintained the issue of financial recompense did not interest him.
The court was told that he had been advised by Dr Hegarty to consult a doctor, to go to the RUC and see a solicitor.
The case will continue on Monday.