End to Smyth charges in the North

CONVICTED paedophile priest Brendan Smyth will not face further charges in the North, it was confirmed yesterday

CONVICTED paedophile priest Brendan Smyth will not face further charges in the North, it was confirmed yesterday. His solicitor, Mr Denise Maloney, said he had been officially told that no further action was to be taken following an RUC investigation into fresh allegations.

Mr Maloney said he had written to inform Smyth at Magilligan Prison, outside Derry, where he is due to be released in December. "The only outstanding issue now is whether or not my client is to be charged in the Republic," said Mr Maloney.

The 68 year old Norbertine priest has already been interviewed by gardai about alleged sexual abuse of children in Dublin, Co Cavan and Co Mayo. So far, the Director of Public Prosecutions has not indicated what charges, if any, are to be preferred.