A priest, originally from Monaghan has been sentenced to seven years in prison for historical sexual offences.
When speaking the judge described the priest as having a "dark and unseen side and was a predatory paedophile"
Canon Patrick McEntee (71) from Esker Road, Dromore denied sexual offences against five boys at St Michael's College over various dates between 1978 and 1989.
"We, the family of Fr Patrick MacEntee, are hugely disturbed at his conviction in this case. We are unwavering in our belief in his innocence and we are unconditionally supportive of him as he continues to deal with the adverse consequences of his recent trial.
"Our brother Fr Patrick has always considered the scourge of sexual abuse to be utterly abhorrent. He along with many fellow priests have long been deeply hurt by the historical reputation of the Catholic Church in these matters. This sense of hurt, in Fr Patrick's case, is only more painful after 48 years of exemplary contribution to education and pastoral duties on the Church's behalf.
"Key and reasonable enquiries have not been explored here and it is our belief that the PSNI investigated only avenues that would lead to the conviction of our brother whilst disregarding areas that may lead in a different direction.
"Leave to Appeal this conviction has been granted in Fr Patrick’s case and we are grateful for this. We trust and pray that the legal system will ultimately remedy this situation. We wish to thank so very many people from his parishes, from all persuasions and indeed those from much further afield for their prayers, letters and indeed practical support and valuable information.
"We, his family, siblings, sisters and brother-in-law, his many nieces and nephews, reiterate our absolute belief in Fr Patrick's innocence and will continue to pursue his complete and outright exoneration in this case."
