Editor explains to readers why he splashed on child sex charges against ex top cop who died before court date

An editor has shared the thought process which resulted in his local newspaper splashing on the case of a high-profile former police officer who was due to appear in court accused of serious child sex offences.

Gerard O’Callaghan, died several days before being due to appear in court, leaving the team at the Impartial Reporter with a difficult challenge on how to cover the allegations which now won’t be subject to the legal process.

Editor Rodney Edwards said the priority for his team was to act in the public interest, and to do so in a sensitive way with the use of language which had been carefully selected.

As well as the paper’s coverage in print and online, Rodney shared the editorial thinking behind the approach to the story with readers.

Rodney wrote: “The decision to report that Gerard O’Callaghan, a former high-ranking police officer and community figure in Fermanagh, was due to appear in court for serious child sexual offences before his death at the weekend was not taken lightly.

“Simply put, publishing these details for the first time is undeniably in the public interest. This is not about speaking ill of O’Callaghan but about ensuring transparency and accountability.

“I recognise that this will be unsettling for many.

“O’Callaghan was a prominent figure, having served as a senior police officer and community leader for decades. His career in law enforcement, where he held command positions in Fermanagh and Tyrone and acted as a liaison officer with An Garda Síochána, meant he was entrusted with protecting the public.

“Such a position carries a heightened responsibility, and when an individual in that role is accused of grave crimes, the public has a right to know.

“Moreover, he was awarded an MBE for his service and had a significant presence in community and charitable work. These honours and roles confer a degree of respectability and trust — trust that is fundamentally undermined when allegations of this nature emerge. The public interest is served by ensuring that no individual, regardless of their past accolades or professional standing, is beyond scrutiny.

“Child sexual abuse is among the most serious offences, and there is a clear public interest in ensuring that such allegations are reported. Although O’Callaghan’s death means he will not face trial, it does not negate the importance of these allegations being made public.”

Rodney explained he was writing, because ‘given the sensitivity of the circumstances, it is appropriate to acknowledge that this coverage will be difficult for his family and those who knew him.’

“We are not seeking to be sensational, and as reflected in our reporting, we have carefully chosen our language to handle this matter with the necessary sensitivity.

“However, the public interest is not served by protecting reputations or preserving the legacy of individuals accused of serious crimes. Instead, it is served by ensuring that such allegations are not buried and that the broader community is informed about such cases.

“O’Callaghan’s standing in law enforcement, the church, and charitable work, combined with the nature of these allegations, means this is not merely a private matter — it is one that affects the community as a whole.

“And that is the reason why we have decided to publish this story.”