Eastbourne: Priest Held over Child Sex Abuse Claims

The Heart
December 3, 2013

http://www.heart.co.uk/sussex/news/local/eastbourne-priest-held-over-child-sex-abuse-claims/




A Church of England priest has been arrested in Eastbourne on suspicion of child sex abuse and cruelty against a boy dating back up to 25 years.

The 56-year-old man, who does not currently have permission to officiate, was detained this morning (Tuesday 3 Dec) at his home in Jervis Avenue.





Sussex Police said he was held on "suspicion of acts of indecency, indecent assault and cruelty against a boy known to him'' who was then aged 12 and 13 in 1988 and 1989.





His arrests follows a review and inquiry by a team of detectives after information was referred to the force by the Diocese of Chichester in 2011, following a report commissioned by the diocese by Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss.





A police spokesman said: "There are currently no allegations of recent or current offending and police emphasise that there is nothing to suggest that any young people are currently at risk.''

The 56-year-old has now been released on police bail this afternoon Tuesday (3 December) until 3 April 2014 while enquiries continue.