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Church acts over studentThe United Reformed Church took immediate action when a student confessed to sexual offences committed nearly twenty years ago, long before he began training to become a minister. The student was told he should go to the police; if he didn't, his college would. He was suspended from training. The college and the Church co-operated fully with the police.
In June 2008, the student appeared at Crown Court for sentence, having admitted indecent assault and gross indecency with a boy under 16, over a three year period between1989-1992. The court was told that the sexual activity took place within the context of a close friendship between the man concerned, who was 24 when it began, and the youth, who was then 14. The friendship continued after sexual activity ended. Some time later, the victim threatened to go to the police unless he was given money. The student eventually spoke to his college tutor about this.
The judge said he did not regard the trainee as representing any risk now. He imposed a sentence of twelve months imprisonment.
The United Reformed Church said a decision would now be taken on further action. It added: “The Church gives paramount importance to the safeguarding of young people. These offences relate to events some twenty years ago, long before the man concerned began training to be a minister. There is no evidence to suggest that any child in a local congregation has been at risk. The United Reformed Church is saddened that many people have suffered as a result of what happened”.
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