Diocese "Sorry" for Not Acting on Information about Abusive Priest

By Alex Williams
Premier
March 8, 2019

https://www.premier.org.uk/News/UK/Diocese-sorry-for-not-acting-on-information-about-abusive-priest

Church of England diocese has issued an "unreserved apology" to a man sexually assaulted by a priest during childhood.

The Diocese of Chester also accepted it failed to act on information concerning now-retired clergyman Charles Gordon Dickenson which surfaced ten years ago.

On Monday, he pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual assault against a child during the 1970s. He was the vicar of Christ Church Latchford near Warrington at the time.

Chester Crown Court heard how a boy was targeted on four occasions during the course of a several months at both the church hall and vicarage.

In a statement, church leaders said: "We offer an unreserved apology to the survivor.

"He has shown bravery and courage to share his experiences with the police and we acknowledge how difficult and distressing this must have been for him."