Bradford priest sent for trial on sex charge (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Bradford priest sent for trial on sex charge
6:32pm Friday 26th October 2012 in News
Father William Finnegan
A Roman Catholic priest in Bradford is to stand trial accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl.
Father William Finnegan, parish priest at St Clare’s RC Church in Fagley, has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
He appeared before Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court yesterday and was told he will face trial before a jury at the city’s crown court on December 7.
Official court records show that William John Finnegan, 59, of Acacia Close, Castleford, has been charged that on April 8, 2012, at Bradford, he intentionally sexually touched a woman aged 16 or over without her consent, contrary to section three of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
Finnegan was granted bail by magistrates with conditions which include not entering St Clare’s Church or Presbytery grounds. He must also have no contact with the alleged victim.
