PORTSMOUTH (UNITED KINGDOM)
Jersey Evening Post [St. Helier, Jersey, England]
June 3, 2025
The victim of a former Catholic priest and self-proclaimed exorcist who was yesterday jailed for five years for sexual grooming has been praised for their “bravery in speaking out”.
Piotr Glas was also banned from any contact with the victim for the rest of his life following his sentencing in the Royal Court yesterday for what was described as “a gross and flagrant breach of trust” in using his position to abuse the child.
The Superior Number of the Royal Court – which convenes for only the most serious cases – heard that 61-year-old Glas was working as a priest and youth worker in Jersey 20 years ago when the abuse took place.
Crown Advocate Carla Carvalho, prosecuting, said Glas had “showered [the victim] with gifts and generosity” and invited the child to his home.
She said Glas had a foot fetish and would encourage the child to walk on his back, claiming it helped alleviate his back pain.
“This is something the defendant asked [the victim] to do on every visit,” Crown Advocate Carvalho said.
“Then he asked [the victim] to walk on the front of his body.”
Glas would also place the child’s feet on his face while masturbating, the court heard. He would engage them in play fights and, in one instance, he asked the victim to kick him in the face.
Crown Advocate Carvalho said the victim had found the wrestling fun at first, but added: “It slowly became sinister.”
The child was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the abuse and the psychological confusion that resulted.
Crown Advocate Carvalho added: “This was a gross and flagrant breach of trust. He used his position to satisfy his own sexual needs.”
A bag of children’s socks and computer images of children’s feet were discovered in Glas’s house.
Advocate Simon Thomas, defending, pointed out: “This case does not involve any intimate touching of the complainant.
“It seems the activity was surreptitious. When [the victim] could see what was happening, the defendant stopped what he was doing.”
Advocate Thomas added that Glas was “of positive previous good character” and was at low risk of reoffending.
However, Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae told Glas: “It is difficult to think of a more serious breach of trust than your offending in this case.”
He added that the Jurats felt Glas’s previous good character only made it easier for him to commit the offences, saying: “It is something to which we can give little or no weight.”
In addition to the jail sentence, Glas was ordered to pay £12,287 towards the victim’s counselling, and was given a restraining order banning him from any direct or indirect contact indefinitely.
Following the sentencing, a spokesperson for the NSPCC said: “The victim in this case has shown great bravery in speaking out and helping to ensure Glas faced justice for his crimes.
“Child sexual abuse can have a devastating and lasting impact on the victims, which is why it is so important that anyone who suffers such abuse knows that if they speak out, they will be listened to and supported.”
Detective Constable Caroline Foord, the investigating officer in the case, also praised the victim for their “immense courage”.
Describing Glas’s behaviour as “manipulative”, she added: “Investigating historic cases of sexual abuse may present unique challenges. However, the States of Jersey Police will seek to conduct a thorough investigation to obtain all available evidence and to bring offenders to justice. Anyone wishing to report sexual abuse is encouraged to make contact either directly with the States of Jersey Police or through Dewberry House where they can also get support.”
Jurats Christensen, Averty, Le Heuzé, Entwistle and Gardener were sitting.