Former priest who ministered in Cork jailed in London for historic child abuse

THE Diocese of Cork and Ross has urged anyone who may have concerns about a former Cork priest jailed in England this week for historical child abuse to come forward.

James Murphy, with an address at The Alders, Mallow, was sentenced to 31 months in prison after pleading guilty in February at Inner London Crown Court to seven offences of indecent assault relating to four boys aged between five and 11 years. The period of offending was between 1975 and 1988, said London Metropolitan Police.

A statement issued by the Diocese of Cork and Ross said that Murphy had served in parishes in England until 1992 before returning to Ireland and being appointed to minister in parishes in the diocese.

“At that time, there was no indication or report that he had abused minors in London parishes,” read the statement. 

“In 2000, when he pleaded guilty to charges relating to offences committed in London in earlier decades, his right to minister as a priest was immediately withdrawn and he has not ministered anywhere since.”

It said the Bishop of Cork and Ross and the priests in the two parishes where he had ministered, St Patrick’s, Cork, and Glounthaune, had addressed the issue at Sunday Masses and reassured people who might make contact with concerns that they would receive support.

“The diocese has not had any contact with James Murphy since he was sentenced to prison. The diocese has not received any report that he offended during his time in Cork.

“Anyone who may have a concern or a report to make is encouraged to contact the gardaí or Tusla or the Diocesan Director of Safeguarding.”