THE RUC has launched a child sex abuse investigation following the arrest of a Church of England clergyman, the High Court in Belfast heard yesterday.
A Crown lawyer said the investigation covered Sion Mills and Strabane, Co Tyrone, and Derry, and would take at least another month to complete.
He was objecting to a bail application by the Rev John Daniel Withy (58), of Melmount Road, Sion Mills. He was remanded in custody at a special court in Omagh last Saturday on two charges of gross indecency and one of indecent assault on a young boy between 1981 and 1989.
The Crown lawyer said the alleged offences came to light in May.
The Rev Withy, he said, had a mobile home in Donegal and police feared that if granted bail he would not show for his trial. Defence barrister Mr Alain Gogarty said Mr Withy had no previous convictions and was denying the allegations.
Lord Justice MacDermott adjourned the application or four weeks.