Plea hearing adjourned for Catholic priest Father Patrick Smythe accused of historic sex offences against boys in Leeds

LEEDS (ENGLAND)
Yorkshire Evening Post

February 18, 2021

By Tony Gardner

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/plea-hearing-adjourned-catholic-priest-father-patrick-smythe-accused-historic-sex-offences-against-boys-leeds-3138986

A Catholic priest charged with committing sex offences against boys dating back more than 40 years had his plea hearing at Leeds Crown Court adjourned today.

Father Patrick Smythe is accused of four counts of indecent assault against four different boys under the age of 16 between 1978 and 1983.

The 77-year-old, a priest with the Diocese of Leeds, was due to enter pleas to the charges when he appeared before the court this morning (February 18).

The case was adjourned for almost two months following an application by the prosecution and Symthe’s barrister, Susannah Proctor.

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