A school headmaster facing sex charges against two teenage boys has been suspended from his job, it emerged today.
Jude Lynch, principal of Good Shepherd Primary and Nursery School inDerry has been placed on suspension until further notice by his board ofgovernors.
The 42-year-old from Learmount Road in Park, was released on bail afterappearing at Larne Magistrates Court on Friday.
John Coyle, chairman of the board of governors, said the decision to suspendhim was made after consultation with the Council for Catholic MaintainedSchools.
"In view of the serious nature of the charges, I can confirm that he has beenplaced on precautionary suspension. It took effect on Saturday, May 24," hesaid.
Mr Coyle, who has a young son at the school, said the vice principal had beenput in place as acting head of the school and the governors would be appointingan acting deputy as soon as possible.
Mr Lynch, who has been head of the school for five years, is facing a total offour charges of indecently assaulting two teenage boys.
The incidents allegedly took place between January and April of this year.
On Friday, a detective constable told the court that when each of the chargeswere put to him, the headmaster said: "I always believed at all times that hewas 18 years of age."
He was released on bail on condition he agreed not to contact any of theinjured parties and reported to police once a week.
PA