12/10/2011

Priest's Slander Case Goes To Court

A High Court defamation action against broadcaster RTE by a priest is set to go ahead next month.

Father Kevin Reynolds took legal action against RTE after they claimed on a ‘Prime Time’ broadcast that he had raped a minor in Kenya.

RTE in May last alleged Fr Reynolds raped a girl and fathered her child while working in a missionary in Kenya nearly 30 years ago.

Lawyers for the cleric began High Court defamation proceedings and paternity tests later proved that Fr Reynolds was not the father of the child in question.

The broadcaster has already apologised to Fr Reynolds for the Prime Time broadcast on May 23. They took full responsibility admitting that the claims were baseless and false.

Galway Priest, Fr Reyonolds returned to St Cuan's Church Ahascragh, Co Galway earlier in the week, where he was welcomed back by Chief Celebrant Bishop Christopher Jones, Bishop of Elphin.

Fr Reynolds received standing ovations in mass when he told parishioners he felt "freed from lies and false allegations".

It is understood that the trial is scheduled for November 15 and is likely to run for three or four days.

(LB/BMcC)

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