Abbot of Ampleforth ‘investigated by police’ over alleged child sex abuse

UNITED KINGDOM
Telegraph

Sophie Jamieson
1 SEPTEMBER 2016

The Abbot of Ampleforth is reportedly being investigated by police over alleged child sex offences.

Complaints about the Right Rev Cuthbert Madden have been raised by four former pupils at Ampleforth College, the Catholic boarding school, according to The Times.

He is said to have “stepped aside” from his responsibilities as chairman of governors at the school while the investigation takes place. He denies any wrongdoing.

Father Cuthbert, 61, was first elected Abbot in 2005, a position which puts him at the head of the largest Benedictine community in the country. He has been at Ampleforth for 30 years and was reelected to his position three years ago.

Ampleforth has previously been linked with alleged sexual abuse by priests. In the last 20 years, three monks have been convicted of historic sex offences.

Father Cuthbert has previously described such crimes as a betrayal of trust. He has said in the past: “We consider that the safety and protection of children in our care is a sacred responsibility.”

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