Retired Priest Bailed over Child Abuse Claims

Crawley News
March 14, 2012

http://www.thisissussex.co.uk/Retired-priest-bailed-child-abuse-claims/story-15516521-detail/story.html

A RETIRED priest, accused of sexually assaulting children in Crawley more than 40 years ago, has been released on police bail.

The 73-year-old man was arrested at his home near Eastbourne last Tuesday on suspicion of historic sexual assaults.

It followed a six-month investigation by a team of specialist Sussex Police child protection detectives.

The arrest was made in connection with assaults on nine youngsters in Crawley, London and Hampshire between 1965 and 1972.

Several allegations were made against the priest to the police in 1972 but no criminal proceedings resulted.

Another allegation was made in 2001 and an arrest was made but there was deemed to be insufficient evidence to justify criminal proceedings.

The police investigation and arrest followed a review into historic allegations of sexual abuse by Church of England priests against young people in Sussex and elsewhere.

A 70-year-old retired priest was also arrested last Tuesday, accused of sexual assaults on three young men in West Sussex during the late 1970s to mid 1980s. He has also been bailed.

Acting Bishop of Chichester Mark Sowerby said: "We are absolutely committed to making sure our churches are safe communities for children and vulnerable adults.

"We owe this to those who have suffered abuse and most especially to those who have suffered abuse at the hands of people exercising a ministry in the name of the church."

Police inquiries are ongoing.