Names Released of Bigwigs Who Pleaded for Disgraced Pervert Bishop Peter Ball

The Sun
January 1, 2016

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/6833249/Names-released-of-bigwigs-who-pleaded-for-disgraced-pervert-bishop-Peter-Ball.html

Jailed ... Peter Ball, 83

THE names of MPs, a High Court judge, a magistrate, public school headteachers and clergy who defended a pervert bishop were revealed yesterday.

Disgraced Peter Ball, 83, was jailed for two years and eight months in October for indecent assaults on 18 teenagers and young men.

His Old Bailey trial heard cops received 2,000 letters in support of him.

The former Bishop of Lewes and Gloucester dodged charges in 1993, accepting a caution for gross indecency against a lad of 16, but carried on working in churches.

The CPS has released letters sent from Establishment figures to police and the Director of Public Prosecutions that year.

Ex-Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey wrote referring to Ball’s “excruciating pain and spiritual torment”.

Lord Justice Lloyd, 86, wrote: “He is, quite simply, the most gentle, upright and saintly man I have met.” Last night he said: “I’ve nothing to add.”

Ball was also said to be close friends with Prince Charles. One letter of support was said to be from a royal.