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	Pervert Protected by Church By Richard Smith Mirror [United Kingdom] April 24, 2007 http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_headline=pervert-protected- by-church&method=full&objectid=18971828&siteid=89520-name_page.html A pervert choirmaster who abused three boys cheated justice for 17 years because cynical, self-serving Church bosses decided not to turn him in. And Church of England spokesman Rev Mark Rudall cravenly tried to justify their actions yesterday, saying: "What was done was the way things happened in those days." Paedophile Peter Halliday - described as a "revolting, fierce bully" - cruelly abused three boys aged nine to 14 between 1985 and 1990. Some were assaulted up to 30 times. And there may be scores more victims. He was exposed when one frightened lad told his parents, who then contacted the Church. But, astonishingly, rector Alan Boddington and Bishop David Wilcox failed to inform police of his sickening abuse. Instead, they ordered Halliday to quit, attend counselling and never work with youngsters again. However, the choirmaster spent another 10 years as governor of a secondary school. Yesterday, jailing Halliday, 61, for 30 months, Judge Ian Pearson declared: "You abused those boys' trust for your sexual gratification and groomed them for your sexual purposes. "It's unfortunate the matter was not reported to police." Former Bishop of Dorking Mr Wilcox was unrepentant. He blustered later: "I believe we sought to act in the best interests not only of the Church but of the family and everybody concerned at that time. Things were very different then." But the appalled Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service hit back: "To say the law was different then, is a red herring. "It was well known then that serious crimes against children had to be reported. "This situation was seriously mishandled. Those in charge failed to act appropriately. Victims will best be helped by those responsible making full acknowledgement." Twisted Halliday, married with a son, groomed his victims while working as choirmaster at St Peter's Church, in Farnborough, Hants. He lured the boys home for sleep-overs, took them on holiday and groped them at swim sessions. He kissed one, telling him "I love you" and asked others to call him "Daddy". One victim said: "It's horrific when your first sexual experience is a 40-year-old man forcing himself on you." The boy thought he had escaped Halliday when the choirmaster was forced out of his job in 1990. But he met him again in 1993 on a residential music course where young choirboys were staying. He said: "I was aghast to see him again. Younger brothers of friends of mine were there, as well as other friends. I was scared for myself and terrified for them." Prosecutor Ruth Bowskill told Winchester crown court: "Choristers described Halliday as a ferocious man, a bully and a revolting character. Not many people stood up to him." In 1990, one young victim told a youth leader and his parents about the abuse. They informed Mr Boddington, who confronted Halliday with the boy's father. Halliday, who had a senior position in a bank then worked as a hospital administrator, admitted his crime. His barrister Susan Evans said the boy's parents decided not to put their son through the trauma of a police investigation. Ms Evans added: "For the last 17 years he's been remorseful. He has not reoffended." The choirmaster was only nailed last year after a victim watched a BBC documentary on child abuse and contacted police. He admitted sexually abusing one boy. When police tracked down his other two victims, he admitted 10 sample assaults. Police said: "Potentially, he has abused scores of children. There may be many who encountered this man and have tried to put it behind them rather than report it. We would encourage them to come forward." Det Sgt Alison Heydari said: "His actions have had a devastating impact on his victims and their families." THE JUDGE 'You abused those boys' trust for your sexual gratification and groomed them for your sexual purposes. It is unfortunate the matter was not reported to police' THE CHURCH 'I believe that we sought to act in the best interests not only of the Church but of the family and everybody concerned at that time. But things were very different then'
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