Michael McMonagle: Ex-Sinn Féin press officer faces trial over child sex offences

A former Sinn Féin press officer has been returned for trial accused of a number of child sex offences.

Michael McMonagle, 42, of Limewood Street in Londonderry, faces a total of 15 charges, including attempting to incite a child to engage in a sexual activity.

He is also accused of 13 counts of attempted sexual communication with a child.

The alleged offences relate to various dates between May 2020 and August 2021.

Appearing before Londonderry Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning, Mr McMonagle was asked was asked if he wished to call any witnesses or make any statement.

He replied “not at this stage”.

He was released on continuing bail and is due to appear in court again in April.

Mr McMonagle worked for a time as a newspaper journalist in Derry before being employed as a Sinn Féin press officer in the north west.

He was also an adviser for the party at Stormont for a number of years.

In a statement after his first court appearance, Sinn Féin said as soon as it became aware of his arrest, he was “immediately suspended from employment and party membership”.