Wigan Today
August 19, 2008
http://www.wigantoday.net/wigannews/Priest-admits-27-cases-of.4403628.jp
A priest from Wigan who has admitted 27 sex assaults on children probably wrecked even more young lives, it was claimed today.
Father William Green, 67, a priest at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, New Springs, Wigan, has admitted 27 assaults on children who were aged between eight and 16. He faces a "significant" jail sentence.
The charges relate to alleged incidents while he worked as a physical education teacher at St Bede's School in Manchester in the 1970s and 80s. He asked to see boys on his own and then took them into a room where he indecently assaulted them.
A lawyer acting for five victims said it was "highly probable" there were other victims who are reluctant to speak of what happened to them during the 1970s and 80s.
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| Father William Green |
And today they were urged to come forward to tell police if they too were abused by Green.
Police launched an investigation after they were contacted by one of Green's victims.
Green, from Cale Lane, Aspull, was charged with 33 counts of indecent assault against nine boys under 16.
He pleaded guilty to 27 of the charges relating to seven victims. The remaining six charges were ordered to lie on the file when he appeared at Manchester Crown Court. He is due to be sentenced on September 30.
One victim, who was assaulted by Green from the age of eight until he was a teenager, told how the incidents had left him scared for life.
The man, who is now in his 40s and married, said: "What happened completely changed my life. My family had no idea what was going on at the time. When they found out they were stunned and very angry.
"I went off the rails a bit as a kid. It doesn't give me any satisfaction to know that he will be punished, but I am glad he has been stopped and that he won't be able to do this to anyone else."
Richard Scorer, partner with Manchester law firm Pannone, said the victims may now take civil action against the Catholic Church.
He said: "The judge indicated that there was an overwhelming likelihood Green will face an immediate and significant sentence of imprisonment when he is sentenced next month. This can only be right and proper.
"It is highly probable that there are a number of men still living in Manchester who are either too frightened or ashamed to come forward.
"I would, however, urge them to either contact the police or speak to me in confidence."
A spokesman for the Catholic Church in Greater Manchester said: "We have co-operated with the authorities since the beginning of the investigation.
"It is regrettable when something like this happens. Our priority and concern is always for the victims."
He said the case was a historical one and that safeguards had been put in place in recent years to prevent something similar happening again.
Greater Manchester Police have set up a phone line for victims on 0161 856 6051. To contact Richard Scorer call 0161 909 6408.
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