A priest is to stand trial on six charges of sexually abusing three young Fermanagh sisters.

Fr Eugene Lewis is a former Superior of the House at St Augustine's College at Blacklion, about 14 miles from Enniskillen. It is now Loughan House open prison.

The 75-year-old missionary priest appeared before a Preliminary Enquiry at Fermanagh Magistrate's Court this week charged with three counts of indecently assaulting one of the sisters on dates unknown between August 27, 1962, and August 27, 1967.

He faces a further two charges of indecently assaulting a second sister on dates unknown between May 23, 1966, and May 23, 1974. A sixth charge accuses him of indecently assaulting a third sister on dates unknown between April 25, 1964, and April 25, 1967.

District Judge Liam McNally told the priest that on reading the documents he held that “you do have a case to answer”.

He returned Fr Lewis for trial at Dungannon Crown Court on November 9, and released him on continuing bail of £1,000. Because the priest is living with the White Fathers at Cypress Grove House at Templelogue in Dublin, he also ordered him to lodge another £4,000 with the court.