A FORMER TEACHER was jailed today for sexual offences against four boys who were aged between 11 and 17 when the abuse occurred.

The victims are former pupils of St Michael’s College in Enniskillen.

Canon Patrick McEntee (71) from Dromore, Co Tyrone, was sentenced to seven years imprisonment. He will also be on the Sex Offenders Register for life.

The offences, which took place between 1978 and 1989, included eight counts of indecent assault.

Detective Constable Meehan said: “McEntee is a child predator who used his position to take advantage of young boys who trusted him.

“He is a highly manipulative individual who was able to offend in plain sight and preyed on the innocence of his victims.

“It is often incredibly difficult for young children to raise the alarm when an adult they trust targets them in such a way and this is why we are seeing more people coming forward as adults. 

He commended the victims for breaking “the silence of trauma”, saying they showed “immense bravery”.

“The passage of time has no bearing, we can and will still listen to you, support you and show you respect. We work hard to bring offenders before the courts, including those who may believe they have ‘got away with it’.

Detective Constable Meehan said child abuse cannot continue in Northern Ireland and historic cases should be brought to light.

He said it’s never too late to tell someone and report it to police.