Northern Ireland

Former SF press officer Michael McMonagle to face trial for sex offences in September

He’s charged with 13 counts of sexual communication with a child

Former senior Sinn Féin press officer, Michael McMonagle failed to appear before Derry Magistrate's court to answer child sex abuse charges.
A date has been set for the trial of former senior Sinn Féin press officer, Michael McMonagle

A trial date has been set in the case involving a former Sinn Fein press officer charged with sex offences.

Michael McMonagle (42), of Limewood Street in Derry, is charged with 13 counts of sexual communication with a child on dates in 2020 and 2021 and two counts of attempted incitement of a child to engage in sexual activity.

When the case was mentioned on Tuesday in front of Judge Neil Rafferty KC, defence barrister Kieran Mallon KC asked the court to fix a date for trial.

He suggested to the court that the trial could be fixed as a stand by trial.

Mr Mallon said that the case had been “somewhat sluggish” but added that he wanted a trial date and the case could last two to three days.

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The Recorder Judge Neil Rafferty KC agreed set the trial date for September 23.

McMonagle is currently on bail.