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	Sex Charge Priest Jailed Hartlepool Mail May 19, 2009 http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/Sex-charge-priest-jailed.5279746.jp PRIEST who sexually abused young children in his care has been jailed. Father David Taylor targeted three youngsters while serving at the Sisters of Mercy Mission in Seaham and on Holy Island, Northumberland. Durham Crown Court heard Taylor was made priest in charge of services to children by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, which gave him access to youngsters from the diocese and from further afield. Prosecutor Mark Giuliani said Taylor, who also served at St John's Church, in Billingham, got into the bath with one boy and another boy was abused in bed. Further abuse took place in a van. Mr Giuliani added: "Each said later they felt a sense of shame. "They were also worried their parents' faith in the church would be shaken if they found out what had been going on." Taylor, 59, of Northumberland Avenue, Bedlington, Northumberland, admitted five charges of indecent assault. He was of previous good character. Peter Walsh, mitigating, said: "He is thoroughly ashamed of himself." Judge Guy Whitburn jailed Taylor for two-and-a-half years. He was banned from working with children and must sign the Sex Offenders' Register for life.
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