South Lakes Priest Jailed for Abusing Teenage Boy

North-West Evening Mail
May 7, 2013

http://www.nwemail.co.uk/home/south-lakes-priest-jailed-for-abusing-teenage-boy-1.1054598?referrerPath=home

A RETIRED South Lakes priest has been sentenced to eight months' jail for the indecent assault of a teenage boy.

Andrew John Folks, of Winfield Road, Sedbergh, was priest-in-charge of a church in the Langdales when he abused the then 15-year-old.

The 70-year-old pleaded guilty in Carlisle Crown Court today to one count of indecently assaulting the victim and another of attempting to indecently assault him.

Judge Tina Landale described the offences as a gross breach of trust.

Folks was placed on the sex offenders for 10 year.

Shortly after the sentence was handed down the Diocese of Carlisle released a statement expressing its regret over the incidents.

"As a diocese, we are shocked and saddened at what has happened. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the victim and his family," the spokesperson said.

"Although Andrew Folks retired some five years ago, these offences occurred when he was the priest at Langdale.

"We know that the people of Langdale will be very deeply upset and will feel betrayed by his actions, as at the time his ministry was valued by many of his parishioners.

"As a Diocese we have provided, and will continue to provide, pastoral care for the community of Langdale.

"That same level of support is also being offered to all those involved."

The spokesperson said Folks had not been permitted to take any services since the charges were laid and appropriate disciplinary action would be taken by the diocese.

"We and other Dioceses of the Church of England will not tolerate abuse and work closely with the Police and Children’s Services if such issues come to our attention," the spokesperson said.

"Our first concern is always for alleged victims and their families.

"Safeguarding in our churches is paramount. In the last two years the Diocese of Carlisle has introduced and implemented an updated series of safeguarding policies, based on best practice nationally.

"Parish clergy, safeguarding co-ordinators and others in leadership have received specific training to ensure a high level of alertness and care with safeguarding issues."

See Wednesday's edition of the Evening Mail for full details.