A priest from Northern Ireland handed over thousands of pounds to help his friend groom a young girl for sex, a court heard today.
Father Jeremiah McGrath allegedly gave the cash to 38-year-old William Adams, who had relocated to Liverpool after serving half of a 12-year jail sentence for raping an eight-year-old girl.
Adams used the cash to lavish gifts, clothes and treats on an 11-year-old girl he had befriended in Liverpool.
The treats included a three-week holiday in Blackpool, during which he raped the girl regularly.
McGrath, 62, of Rosslea, Co Fermanagh, went on trial at Liverpool Crown Court today accused of three counts of facilitating the commission of a child sex offence. He denies the charges.
Andrew Menary QC, prosecuting, told the jury that McGrath knew of Adams' previous conviction and visited him in jail.
He said the priest, who had a lucrative shares portfolio and was a successful gambler, also knew about Adams' friendship with the Liverpool girl and its sexual nature.
McGrath is also accused of sexually assaulting the same girl on one occasion in November 2005. He denies that charge.
The trial is expected to last until the end of next week.
The case was due to be adjourned later today and will continue tomorrow.