ST. ALBANS (HERTFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND)
The Herts Advertiser
November 23, 2017
By Fraser Whieldon
A dead Catholic priest has been accused of historic sexual abuse by two victims in St Albans.
Father Thomas Heley came to the Parish of Ss Alban & Stephens St Albans in 1977, and stayed there until his death in 1986, during which time it was alleged he abused young boys.
One victim said: “I have been seriously affected by the childhood sexual abuse I experienced.
“It’s had a crippling impact on my ability to sustain relationships, as I feel I cannot trust people or let people get too close.
“It has had a major impact on my relationship with my son, I have been unable to be the father I could have been.
“I have turned to alcohol as a coping strategy in order to block out the abuse, which in turn has led to me losing jobs and exhibiting destructive behaviours which has had a negative impact on those around me.
“It’s only recently I have felt able to disclose this abuse and I am currently struggling to process the emotions that this has bought to the forefront on my mind.
“I feel I have not been able to lead the life that I could have had, which deeply saddens me and my family.”
After contacting the parish, the victims were told several allegations had been against Fr Heley at his previous posting in Cork from 1999 onwards.
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