Inquiry Ends into Pervert Priest Bede

The Sentinel
May 7, 2012

http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/Inquiry-ends-pervert-priest-Bede/story-16013097-detail/story.html

DETECTIVES have closed their investigation into paedophile priest Bede Walsh – unless any more victims come forward.

Walsh is currently serving 22 years in prison after sexually abusing eight boys during an 18-year period.

Four more men came forward during the course of this year's trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court to claim they had also been sexually abused by Walsh.

But Staffordshire Police today confirmed they are not pursuing those complaints.

Detective Constable Tim Bailey said: "The information from the four potential victims was reviewed and noted. There is no current police investigation underway as a result of the information received.

"But should any further potential victims wish to come forward they are encouraged to do so. Any new evidence will be reviewed."

Walsh, of Abbots Bromley, was a priest at Giles's Church, in Cheadle, for 12 years from 1987 and was a governor and chaplain at the town's Painsley school.

Walsh abused some of his victims at Cheadle and at Coton College, near Alton.

The 58-year-old is being defrocked by the Catholic Church.