By Gemma Gardner
Mercury
January 15, 2010
http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/hertfordshiremercury-news-royston/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=477103
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A CATHOLIC priest serving Buntingford has been suspended following his arrest by the Metropolitan Police.
News - St Richard of Chichester Church, BuntingfordFather Ian Dickie, who has served in the parish of the St Richard of Chichester Church in Station Road, pictured, for four years, has been temporarily withdrawn from public ministry, the Diocese of Westminster confirmed this week.
A diocese spokeswoman said: “This follows an allegation made against him involving a young person, which is said to have taken place more than 30 years ago.”
The spokeswoman explained that withdrawal from public ministry is a procedure which is carried out in accordance with the Catholic church’s safeguarding guidelines.
She added: “This does not in any way imply guilt on the part of Father Dickie.
“The diocese makes strenuous efforts to ensure the safety and protection of all children in our parishes and has been co-operating fully with the statutory authorities in this matter.
“It may be some time before investigations are concluded and, until then, no further statements can be made.
“If anyone has concerns at all relating to this subject, they should contact the diocesan safeguarding service on 0207 798 9350.”
The diocese also confirmed that the investigation is not related to the findings of the report of the Commission of Investigation into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin, which uncovered cases of abuse in Ireland between 1975 and 2004.
A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said a 61-year-old man was arrested at an address in Buntingford on December 14 in relation to a historical incident.
That man has since been bailed pending further enquiries.
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