14/03/2003
'Sickening' attack on elderly priest condemned
An elderly priest has been attacked in west Belfast in what police are describing as a "sickening crime and a betrayal of trust".
The attack occurred at about 10.15pm on Thursday evening after the youth asked to speak to the priest in confidence at his parochial home in New Barnsley Green, near Ballymurphy.
The attacker, who is believed to be in his teens and spoke with a southern Irish accent, then hit the cleric across the face and took his car keys before driving of in his red Renault Clio.
It has also emerged the youth smelt of glue.
The priest was treated in hospital for a broken nose but has now been discharged.
A spokesman for the diocese of Down and Conor, Father John McManus said: "This priest has been open and available to people all his life.
"And he said this morning to me that is his role as a priest - you take that chance."
West Belfast Sinn Fein assembly member Bairbre de Brun described the assault as "cowardly and despicable".
"The entire community has been stunned by this attack and theft," he said.
"It is essential that we remain vigilant and pay particular attention to the needs of our more vulnerable neighbours."
The SDLP's Dr Joe Hendron also condemned the attack, saying: "There is clearly a mode of lawlessness around amongst a very small section of young people and it is up to the police and all of society to do everything we can to try to prevent this type of behaviour."
Detectives at Grosvenor Road have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
(MB)
The attack occurred at about 10.15pm on Thursday evening after the youth asked to speak to the priest in confidence at his parochial home in New Barnsley Green, near Ballymurphy.
The attacker, who is believed to be in his teens and spoke with a southern Irish accent, then hit the cleric across the face and took his car keys before driving of in his red Renault Clio.
It has also emerged the youth smelt of glue.
The priest was treated in hospital for a broken nose but has now been discharged.
A spokesman for the diocese of Down and Conor, Father John McManus said: "This priest has been open and available to people all his life.
"And he said this morning to me that is his role as a priest - you take that chance."
West Belfast Sinn Fein assembly member Bairbre de Brun described the assault as "cowardly and despicable".
"The entire community has been stunned by this attack and theft," he said.
"It is essential that we remain vigilant and pay particular attention to the needs of our more vulnerable neighbours."
The SDLP's Dr Joe Hendron also condemned the attack, saying: "There is clearly a mode of lawlessness around amongst a very small section of young people and it is up to the police and all of society to do everything we can to try to prevent this type of behaviour."
Detectives at Grosvenor Road have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
(MB)
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