The Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley, spoke yesterday about an alleged sex offender who had been working in his diocese as a priest before Christmas.
The priest, Father James Murphy (53), from Carrigtohill, Co Cork, appeared before magistrates in Camberwell, London, last week accused of 12 indecent assault offences against boys under the age of 14. It is understood that the alleged assaults came to light when a man receiving psychiatric treatment named the priest, and that London detectives have travelled to Cork as part of their inquiries.
Although officially retired, Father Murphy had been working part-time in Carrigtohill. The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1977 and 1980 in London. In a statement read at Masses in Glounthaune Church, Co Cork, yesterday, Dr Buckley said he had promised to keep parishioners informed about Father Murphy's departure from the parish before Christmas.
"I said then that I would keep you informed. I can now tell you that Father Murphy has returned of his own accord to his diocese in England to help police with their inquiries into complaints made against him by adults.
"These adults allege that Father Murphy behaved inappropriately towards them when they were young people in their English diocese. Father Murphy has denied these allegations.
"Father Murphy came from his own diocese in England to work in Cork eight years ago and no complaint of any sort against him has been received here. The diocese always takes matters like these very seriously - we are committed to offering every help we can at all times to anyone who is troubled. I will also keep close contact with you and I will keep you informed of developments," the bishop's statement said.