A PRIEST is being investigated amid allegations he had a sexual relationship with a teenager.

Father John Sweeney, 41, has been suspended by the Archdiocese of Glasgow during the investigation.

He will not carry out any parish duties at Saint Maria Goretti in the city’s Cranhill area until further notice.

Father Sweeney was arrested by police and charged under a section of the Sexual Offences Scotland Act which alleges he committed a sexual abuse of trust.

A source said the allegation involved a 17-year-old girl.

Fr Sweeney was due to make an appearance at Glasgow Sheriff Court earlier this week but was freed while investigations continue.

It has also emerged he is under investigation for allegedly making a sectarian comment.

A spokesman for the Archdiocese said “The Archdiocese is co-operating fully with the police as they continue their inquiries. Fr Sweeney will not perform any parish duties until further notice.

“Given that this is now an active case any further comment is not possible at this time.”

A Crown Office spokesperson said: “The procurator-fiscal received a report concerning a 41-year-old male in connection with alleged incidents said to have taken place between July 1, 2016, and June 28, 2017.

“He was liberated from custody pending further inquiries and did not appear in court.”

Fr Sweeney was ordained by Archbishop Mario Conti at St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Dublin in 2010.

He was appointed parish priest at Saint Maria Goretti in September 2013.

Fr Sweeney’s lawyer Calum Ross declined to comment.