UNITED KINGDOM
Wigan Today

A catholic priest has been convicted of sexually abusing a young boy in his care nearly 40 years ago.

Father Michael Higginbottom, who stood in the dock listening to proceedings using the loop system, showed no reaction when the jury found him guilty following ten hours 21 minutes deliberations.

He was convicted by 10-2 majority verdicts and one of the six women jurors wiped away tears as their verdicts were announced by the foreman.

Judge Andrew Menary, QC, told 74-year-old Higginbottom that a custodial sentence was inevitable but adjourned sentencing until tomorrow.

“It is a delicate matter which requires careful consideration,” he said.