Falkirk priest in court facing sex assault allegations

Jill Buchanan
By Jill Buchanan
Published 2nd May 2024, 15:58 BST
Updated 16th May 2024, 17:33 BST
A parish priest has appeared in court over sexual assault allegations.

Father Daniel Doherty is a priest at St Francis Xavier’s Church in Falkirk but has not been seen in the parish for several weeks.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “A 61-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with sexual assaults on a man in the Falkirk area.

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“He was due to appear at Falkirk Sheriff Court on Thursday, 18 April, 2024.

The priest is no longer in the active ministry at St Francis Xavier RC Church. Pic: Michael GillenThe priest is no longer in the active ministry at St Francis Xavier RC Church. Pic: Michael Gillen
The priest is no longer in the active ministry at St Francis Xavier RC Church. Pic: Michael Gillen

“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”

The Crown Office confirmed that he appeared on petition, made no plea and was bailed for further examination.

A spokesman from the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh said: “A complaint has been made against a priest based in the Archdiocese. While it is being investigated he is not in active ministry. As this is an ongoing investigation no further comment can b e made.”