Priest appears in court accused of spying on person for sexual thrills

Father Aidan Patrick McCann (35) appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court by videolink from his solicitor’s office and confirmed that he understood the single charge against him.

Fr McCann, with an address at the parochial house on Maddens Row in Keady, Co Armagh, is accused of voyeurism on March 28 this year in that “for the purpose of sexual gratification, he observed a female doing a private act knowing that the other person did not consent to being observed for your sexual gratification”.

None of the alleged facts surrounding the offence was opened in court on Friday but giving evidence to the court, Constable Mosgrove said she believed she could connect the priest to the offence.

It is understood charge arises following an incident involving a female at a changing room in Rushmere Shopping Centre, just across the road from the court.

Defence solicitor Harry McCourt confirmed he did not have any questions pertaining to Fr McCann being formally connected to the charge while a prosecuting lawyer suggested the case be adjourned “for some time” as the full file was not due to be received until June 16.

District Judge Bernie Kelly put the case back to June 24.

Fr McCann was ordained as a priest in July 2015 and serves in the Armagh Diocese.