Priest faces new charges

A CATHOLIC priest accused of child sex abuse is to face fresh charges, Belfast Magistrates Court heard yesterday

A CATHOLIC priest accused of child sex abuse is to face fresh charges, Belfast Magistrates Court heard yesterday. Father Joseph Steele (55), a member of the Holy Ghost Order, has been on bail since February on II charges of indecent assault and one of gross in decency.

His solicitor, Mr Denis Maloney, said further charges were pending following a meeting on Wednesday when RUC detectives put new allegations to him.

He was remanded until August 1st on continuing bail.

Father Steele, who comes from Belfast, is a former curate at two city parishes, St Teresa's, Glen Road, and St Colmcille's, Ballyhackamore. His address was given as Kimmage Manor, Dublin, but since his first court appearance he has been living in Northern Ireland.