Press chief to Bishop of Truro charged with 15 child sex offences

Western Morning News
January 14, 2015

http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Press-chief-Bishop-Truro-charged-15-child-sex/story-25853689-detail/story.html

A former press chief for the Bishop of Truro has been charged with sexual offences against children.

Jeremy Dowling, 76, of Church Path, Bude, is due to appear before Bodmin magistrates on January 22.

He faces 15 charges of sexual assault against children aged under 16.

Mr Dowling retired as communications officer for the Truro Diocese in 2009, having worked for several bishops over the previous 25 years.

He was also a governor at Budehaven School for 18 years, before stepping down in 2013.

The Diocese of Truro said it was “deeply concerned” about the charges, which are thought to predate Mr Dowling’s time working for the Church of England.

“Clearly this is now a matter for the courts and the diocese will not comment on the case until legal proceedings are concluded,” a spokesman said.

“We feel it is important, though, to reassure people that the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults is always of paramount importance to us and we make every effort to ensure their well-being at every level in the diocese.”

The Diocese said it followed closely the legal requirements of the Disclosure and Barring Service, formerly the Criminal Records Bureau, and provides safeguarding training for all involved in work with vulnerable people.

“Each of our 231 parishes is required to appoint a trained safeguarding officer who is responsible for working alongside their priest to ensure exceptional standards of personal safety and care for everyone involved in any way with our churches and wider community life”, it added in a statement.