Former Bishop of Lewes Arrested over Abuse Claims

Chichester People
November 13, 2012

http://www.chichesterpeople.co.uk/Bishop-Lewes-arrested-abuse-claims/story-17309984-detail/story.html

Right Reverend Peter Ball, 80-years-old, the former Bishop of Lewes has been arrested on suspcision of sex abuse.

The former Bishop of Lewes and Gloucester, was arrested at his home in Langport, Somerset on suspicion of abusing eight boys and men in the late 1980's and early 1990's.

Vickery House, 67-years-old, was also arrested near his home in Haywards Heath in West Sussex. The retired Church of England priest was arrested for two sexual offences involving two teenage boys in East Sussex between 1981 and 1983.

The arrests follow a review and subsequent inquiry over the past six months by a team of Sussex Police detectives.

The investigation followed receipt by police in May this year of two reports from a CofE safeguarding consultant.

They contained reviews of Church files relating to safeguarding matters of young people in the Diocese of Chichester during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Detective Chief Inspector Carwyn Hughes of Sussex Police said: "The Church of England, including the Diocese of Chichester, are co-operating fully with police.

"Although the matters referred to are still subject of police investigation, Sussex Police make it clear that the force will always take seriously any allegations of historic sexual offending and every possible step will be taken to investigate whenever appropriate.

"Allegations of historic offences are treated just as seriously as any more recent offences."

In a statement the Diocese of Chichester said they could "confirm that two men, a retired Bishop aged 80 and a retired priest aged 67, were arrested this morning, Tuesday the 13th November, by detectives from Sussex Police. These arrests relate to allegations of sexual abuse in the 1980s and 1990s. We can confirm that the retired Bishop has had no ministry in Sussex for many years and no longer lives in this area. The retired priest has had his Permission to Officiate suspended.

"These arrests occur as part of an investigation in which the Diocese of Chichester has been working closely with Sussex Police. We have also been working closely with Elizabeth Hall, the National Safeguarding Adviser for the Church of England, and Kate Wood, the safeguarding consultant appointed by the Church of England to compile a file of evidence that was handed to Sussex Police in May.

"Our cooperation with Sussex police in this investigation continues our ongoing commitment to do all that is necessary to bring any alleged criminal matters to the attention of the public authorities, and to ensure that the Diocese of Chichester is a safe place for all in our church communities, whilst being an unsafe place for any who may seek to abuse them.

"A special helpline has been set up for anyone who feels they need support or advice whenever learning of this or any similar cases. The helpline is staffed by the NSPCC and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Calls will be handled sensitively and confidentially. Where appropriate, callers will be referred to specially trained police officers and, if required, a range of counselling services, who are able to offer expert support to those who come forward. Funding is available for counselling for people who are directly affected by these events."