Priest Facing Sex Attack Allegation

Yorkshire Evening Post
September 12, 2012

www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/priest-facing-sex-attack-allegation-1-4918684


A Roman Catholic priest from Castleford has been charged with sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl.

Father William Finnegan, of Acacia Close, Castleford, has appeared before Keighley and Bradford Magistrates Court to face a charge of sexual assault.

The 59-year-old parish priest at St Clare's RC Church in Fagley, Bradford, was arrested in April this year in connection with the allegation and was bailed for further police inquiries.

Finnegan, who denies the charge, is currentlty on conditional bail and is due to appear before Keighley and Bradford Magistrates Court on October 26.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Leeds told the YEP: "If an allegation is made relating to the abuse of children or vulnerable adults against a priest of the Diocese of Leeds, the Diocese will co-operate fully, in accordance with the national guidelines of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, with the statutory authorities and the police in their investigating the allegation."

Court records state William John Finnegan, 59, of Acacia Close, Castleford, has been charged that on April 8, 2012, at Bradford, he intentionally sexually touched a woman aged 16 or over without her consent, contrary to section three of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.