By Jamie Pyatt
The Sun [United Kingdom]
April 27, 2007
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2007190494,00.html
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| Cover-up ... from left, St Peter's church, paedo Halliday, and the Bishop who knew, Wilcox |
The Church of England was blasted yesterday over a cover-up that protected a paedophile choirmaster from justice for 17 years.
The row came as depraved Peter Halliday, 61, was jailed for 2½ years for sexually assaulting at least three choirboys on dozens of occasions.
Attacks went on for five years. But the court heard that when a 13-year-old eventually told a vicar about his ordeal, the Church decided NOT to inform police.
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The matter was referred to the then Bishop of Dorking, David Wilcox. He left disciplinary proceedings to the rector of St Peter's in Farnborough, Hants.
Halliday was simply warned to quietly resign as organist and choirmaster, seek counselling and not work with children again.
His crimes were discovered only last year, when one victim feared his ex-choirmaster might still be preying on youngsters and went to the police. Officers found Halliday had been a school governor for TEN YEARS.
Judge Ian Pearson told him at Winchester Crown Court: "You groomed boys for your sexual purposes. Their lives have been blighted." The judge called the original failure to report him "an unfortunate error".
Prosecutor Ruth Bowskill said Halliday was a "ferocious man" who bullied victims and made them call him "Daddy".
The attacks took place when he lured them to sleepovers at his home and holidays in Cornwall.
Police believe there may be scores of victims and appealed for them to come forward.
After the case, a Guildford Diocese spokesman admitted: "It is clear mistakes were made."
But retired Bishop Wilcox said: "Things were different then. I don't think court systems, police systems were geared up as they are today. There was no cover-up".
The Churches Child Protection Advisory Service said: "It was known even then, crimes against children had to be reported."
# A BOY of 13 yesterday told a court he prayed for "strength and courage" to expose a pervert vicar. He said the Rev David Smith abused him when he was in the choir at St John's, in Clevedon, Somerset.
Bristol Crown Court heard Smith, 52, attacked boys AFTER concerns about him were raised with the Church of England. It just said complaints had been "dealt with". He denies 14 indecency charges.
Trial continues.
Were you a victim of Halliday? Ring us in confidence on 0207 782 4104. We'll call you straight back.
Contact: j.pyatt@the-sun.co.uk
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