Abuse Allegations Rock Northern Ireland Presbyterian Church and PSNI

A man, Ross Hunter, has publicly accused the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) of failing to adequately address allegations of abuse he experienced as a child. The accusations center around incidents that occurred during his youth involvement with a Christian youth organization known as Exodus, and a related connection to First Dunboe Presbyterian Church in Londonderry.

Details of the Allegations

Ross Hunter, now 39, alleges he was abused by his cousin, who served as a youth leader in First Dunboe Presbyterian Church during the 1990s . Even as the abuse did not occur within the church building itself, Hunter states his cousin held a prominent position within Exodus, described as the “right-hand man” to the organization’s chief executive .

Hunter first reported the abuse in November 2009 to Rev. James Mccaughan, then minister of his family church. He claims the minister took no action beyond offering prayer . He also reported the alleged perpetrator to the PSNI, who launched a criminal investigation after the individual became a serving police officer .

Subsequent Developments and Accusations of a Cover-Up

Hunter expressed a lack of confidence in both the PCI investigation and the police probe, suggesting they were motivated by public relations concerns rather than a genuine pursuit of answers . He believes the church and related organizations are attempting to “bury” the allegations to protect their reputation .

According to reports, the alleged perpetrator took his own life shortly after a criminal investigation was launched .

Related Information

Jonathan Ross Hyndman, 43, passed away on October 1, 2025, following a brief illness . He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in sociology .