Cleric reports public abuse to Cork police
IrishCentral
Published Monday, February 13, 2012, 7:49 AM
Updated Monday, February 13, 2012, 11:25 AM
By PATRICK COUNIHAN, IrishCentral Staff Writer
A priest at the centre of the Cloyne Report’s largest chapter is the latest cleric to threaten legal action against his accusers.
The priest – referred to as Fr Ronat in the lengthy report into clerical sex abuse in the Cork diocese – has made threats to sue several people including victims who have texted him.
A report in the Irish Independent states that the priest has made contact with police and he is considering the legal action.
He has complained to police of a ‘two-year campaign of personal abuse’ which included public cries of ‘paedophile’ in his direction.
But one alleged victim has already told the priest ‘See you in court’.
The victim told the paper that she had sent text messages to the priest and said one text was only sent because the cleric had been ‘smirking’ at her in public.
Fr Ronat has vehemently denied all 11 abuse allegations made against him and has claimed he is the target of deliberate harassment.