Monk Cleared of Sexually Assaulting Woman at Aberdeen University

STV
January 22, 2014

http://news.stv.tv/scotland/260585-aberdeen-monk-mark-paterson-has-sexual-assault-conviction-overturned/

Appeal: Mark Paterson was accused of assaulting a woman in the university chaplaincy.

Appeal court judges have quashed the conviction of a monk for sexually assaulting a woman at a university chaplaincy.

Mark Paterson, 55, was placed on the sex offenders register after being found guilty at the end of a five-day trial at Aberdeen Sheriff Court eight years ago.

But on Thursday the Justiciary Appeal Court overturned the decision after fresh evidence emerged that challenged the testimony of a female witness.

The judges also said the trial was unfair because reports from a doctor had not been disclosed.

Mr Paterson said he was “delighted” following the judgment by Lady Smith, who heard the appeal with Lady Dorrian and Lord Philip.

The 55-year-old was alleged to have indecently assaulted the woman while working as a Carmelite friar at Aberdeen University between 2002 and 2004.

Following his trial the university’s Catholic Society said it believed a miscarriage of justice had taken place. The case was referred to the appeal court by the Scottish

Lady Smith said: “In those circumstances we will allow this appeal in relation to the fresh evidence and non-disclosure grounds and the outcome is the conviction will be quashed.”