Vicar Took ‘wholly Inappropriate Interest’ in Children’s Sex Lives – Court Hears

By John Garvey
Newbury Today
November 21, 2014

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/2014/vicar-took-wholly-inappropriate-interest-in-childrens-sex-lives

A FORMER Thatcham vicar who counselled school-age children took a “wholly inappropriate” interest in their sex lives, Reading Crown Court has heard.

The Rev Peter Jarvis, now of Clares Green Road, Spencers Wood, denies 12 charges relating to four children – two girls and two boys – aged from 12 upwards.

Jonathan Seely, prosecuting, told jurors how, during his tenure in the parish of Thatcham, 50-year-old Mr Jarvis

o gave one child cannabis

o encouraged sexual activity between children and bought them condoms

o asked a boy to remove his trousers

o told one girl he could have sex with her

o asked for pictures of children in their underwear

o asked for a kiss during counselling sessions

When police interviewed him, Mr Jarvis gave a prepared statement denying all wrongdoing, then answered “no comment” to all questions, the jury was told.

Mr Seely, opening the trial on Monday, said: “In recent times there have been a number of high profile cases of child abuse in the media spotlight involving the most depraved and extreme sexual abuse of young children. This is not one of those cases at all, you will be relieved to hear.

“That is not to say these aren’t serious allegations. His conduct was, bearing in mind his position of responsibility, entirely inappropriate and a serious breach of trust. The defendant is a 50-year-old vicar and at the relevant time he was working in the parish of Thatcham.”