Catholic Priest Jailed 30 Years after Abusing Boy at Children's Home

Mirror
March 27, 2015

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/anthony-mcsweeney-catholic-priest-jailed-5413589

A Catholic priest was today jailed after abusing a young boy at a children's home where he helped out more than 30 years ago.

Father Anthony McSweeney, 68, visited the children's home as a helper and abused the vulnerable boy over two years.

The sex attacker denied the crimes but was jailed for three years after he was convicted by a jury.

McSweeney was introduced to boys at the home by John Stingemore, who was running it at the time.

However, the priest was never formally employed by Grafton Close Children's Home in west London.


Stingemore was also charged with a number of offences and was due to stand trial alongside McSweeney, however, he died in January.

McSweeney was found guilty of indecent assault of a boy under the age of 16 years between January 1979 and July 1981, and three counts of making indecent photographs on or before 15 January 2013.

He was snared by the Met Police as part of Operation Fernbridge, which was launched in 2012 to investigate allegations of child abuse at the home during the 1970s and 1980s.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Keith Braithwaite, from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command said: "McSweeney was an abuser who used his role in a position of trust.

"I would like to pay tribute to the courage of the victim in speaking out against McSweeney.

On trial: John Stingemore arriving at Southwark Crown Court, London

"It was that testimonial that secured the charges and enabled this case to be brought to court.

"I would also like to thank those witnesses who provided key evidence that ensured the court could hear what sort of man McSweeney really is.

"I am only sorry that McSweeney in denying his offences has forced the victim to relive the experience in court.

"I hope however that today's result will give the victim some sense of closure."

McSweeney was found not guilty of three counts of indecent assault relating to another boy, and one indecent assault on a third boy.

Father Anthony McSweeney arrives at Southwark Crown Court, London, for sentencing after after he was found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy at a children's home. Friday March 27, 2015