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	Boy, 15, Told How 'Affair' Went on for Three Months The Gazette [United Kingdom] May 9, 2007 http://www.hemelhempsteadtoday.co.uk/news?articleid=2862412 Former Berkhamsted parish priest Peter John Grant has pleaded guilty to four charges of sexual activity with a child. St Albans Magistrates' Court heard how the Catholic priest conducted an 'affair' in Berkhamsted with a 15-year-old boy over a three-month period. Grant, aged 58, of Balfour Mews in Bovingdon, was committed to St Albans Crown Court for sentencing after magistrates decided their powers were not enough. Chairman of the bench Rodney Moss told him: "We have decided the offences you have committed are so serious that you should receive a greater punishment than we can impose in this court." Prosecutor Mark Millin told the court Grant came to the Sacred Heart Church in Berkhamsted in 1997 after becoming a priest in 1991. Mr Millin explained how the youth approached the defendant for advice as he was confused about his sexuality. "He was advised by the defendant that the defendant did not agree it was wrong to be gay. "There was a discussion about what sort of men (the boy] liked." Mr Millin then described a series of sexual encounters between Grant and the boy, the first taking place at the boy's family home. On another occasion, prior to his departure to a new parish at Burnt Oak in Barnet, the priest went for a meal with the boy and afterwards they had a sexual encounter. Another time the boy visited Grant at the presbytery after school, where again a sexual encounter took place. "It is not suggested (the boy] was not a willing partner. The offence comes about because of his age," Mr Millin said. In April the boy told another priest in confession about the situation. "That is how the matter came out. The priest to whom (the boy] spoke reported the matter to the designated child protection officer," Mr Millin said. "The defendant was subsequently suspended from duties on April 19. "He took an overdose of tablets and whisky. He telephoned an ex- priest while still conscious to confess his sins and ask for absolution. "The gentleman was no longer a priest. He has convictions for child abuse himself." The court heard Grant left a suicide note but was found by the police and taken to hospital. A mental health assessment was carried out and he was admitted to the Albany Lodge unit in St Albans. Andrew Campbell, defending, told the court: "It is not suggested (the boy] was not a willing participant," he said. "We say the relationship was ended by the defendant by text because he knew it was wrong. "He had actually finished this affair." In argument over whether Grant should be given bail prior to sentence, Mr Millin told the court: "Other victims have come forward since these matters came to light. "Officers have taken a statement from one more victim and it is anticipated many more will come forward. "There are historical offences believed to have taken place 15 years ago in Kentish Town when he was an apprentice priest." Grant was granted bail on condition he live at his home and report twice weekly to the police.
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