Sussex Priest Bailed over Child Sex Abuse

The BBC News
December 3, 2013

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-25198804



A retired Church of England priest has been bailed after his arrest on suspicion of acts of indecency, indecent assault and cruelty against a boy.

The victim was aged 12 and 13 at the time of the alleged incidents in 1988 and 1989.

The 56-year old's arrest in Eastbourne, East Sussex, follows a Diocese of Chichester-commissioned inquiry.

Earlier this year two other priests referred to in the report were jailed.

Helpline

They were convicted for sex attacks on children, but police have said the arrested man has no link with those offences.

A statement from the Diocese of Chichester said the priest did not currently have permission to officiate.

"We have co-operated fully with Sussex Police and the matter is now in their hands."

The man has been released on bail until 3 April while investigations continue, Sussex Police said.

A 24-hour helpline manned by staff at the children's charity NSPCC is available on 0800 389 5344.