Monasteries put on alert as Scotland Yard steps up hunt for ‘child abuse’ monk

UNITED KINGDOM
Daily Mail

By Eileen Fairweather

PUBLISHED: 16:56 EST, 1 September 2012

The hunt for a fugitive monk who faces paedophile allegations is being stepped up by Scotland Yard today with the release of the first clear photograph of him since his arrest and subsequent disappearance 18 months ago.

The image of 68-year-old Laurence Soper, wearing a traditional habit, was taken about ten years ago and will appear on police websites.

Religious magazine Faith Today will also circulate the picture and alert monasteries worldwide.

The former Abbot of Ealing Abbey and leader of the attached St Benedict’s School is the most senior British Catholic to have been caught up in the abuses scandals rocking the church.

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