NORTHAMPTON (UNITED KINGDOM)
The Tablet [Market Harborough, England]
September 10, 2026
By Ruth Gledhill
Bishop of Northampton David Oakley attended the Central Criminal Court at Old Bailey today facing charges of indecent assault and rape.
Oakley, aged 70, remained seated in the dock during the brief hearing in Court 9, which had been listed for plea and trial preparation.
However, the charges were not put. A date was fixed next January for a dismissal hearing.
Today’s appearance followed an earlier hearing at Westminster Magistrates in August, when he appeared by video link from his lawyer’s office. On that occasion, prosecutor Sarah Madden told the court Oakley and his alleged victim had started dating after a pilgrimage to Lourdes: “She recalls sex with the defendant on at least two occasions.”
Bishop Oakley was charged in June, when Staffordshire Police said, “A man has been charged following an investigation by our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team. Bishop David James Oakley, 70, who is White British, of Desborough, Kettering, has been charged with two counts of rape of a female under 16. It follows his arrest in September 2025 following an allegation made to police.”
Bishop Oakley withdrew from public ministry and Northampton diocese said at the time, “We understand that this will be very distressing for all concerned but cannot comment further on an active legal process.”
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop of Westminster Richard Moth as Apostolic Administrator of the diocese. Oakley was again released on bail today, on condition he does not contact the alleged victim or her family.
Bishop of Northampton appears in court charged with rape
Archbishop of Westminster appointed Apostolic Administrator of Northampton