exclusive Priest on changing room voyeurism charge

The cleric confirmed he understood the single charge against him.

The 35-year-old appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Friday via videolink from his solicitor’s office.

Sunday Life understands it relates to an incident involving a female at a changing room in Rushmere Shopping Centre, which is just across the road from the court.

The priest, with an address at the parochial house on Maddens Row in Keady, is alleged to have watched a female doing a private act without her consent, for his own sexual gratification.

None of the alleged facts surrounding the case were detailed, but a police officer told the court she could connect the priest to the offence.

A defence solicitor confirmed he did not have any questions pertaining to McCann being formally connected to the charge.

The case was adjourned until next month.

Father McCann was ordained as a priest in July 2014 and serves in the Armagh Diocese.

Back then he spoke about his journey into the priesthood.

”When I was young I used to be an altar boy, when I was around nine, ten and 11, I used to enjoy that thoroughly. Looking back I think the seed was there…,’’ he said.

"As time went on I felt that old call, that sort of, God calling me to give more, asking me to give everything eventually. So I did feel that call to the priesthood, it was something that felt right…”

McCann initially had thought of becoming a missionary priest but after a spell in the States moved back to Co Armagh.

“I really felt a call to come back to Ireland to become a priest. I applied to the diocese, that was in 2006, now it’s 2014 and here I am,’’ he said.

"It really is great to follow God’s call. There is great peace and happiness in doing God’s will.”