BishopAccountability.org
	Former Priest Faces Jail for Sex Crimes This is Gloucestershire January 31, 2009 http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk/news/priests-faces-jail-sex-crimes/article-658732-detail/article.html A former catholic priest from Quedgeley has pleaded guilty to sexual crimes against boys. The 65-year-old, of Teal Close, used to be priest at St Augustine's Roman Catholic Church in Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells. Malcolm McLennan faces a possible jail sentence for the indecency offences committed more than 20 years ago while he was at the church, which has the largest congregation in Tunbridge Wells. McLennan preyed on the boys during 1985 and 1986 when he was serving as a deacon and then priest. Police were alerted to the abuse by the Church Child Protection Team. The head of the church diocese said this week Mr McLennan would "never return to parish ministry". Parishioners were told about the ex-priest after masses at the weekend by representatives of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese. In a statement the Archbishop of Southwark, the Most Rev Kevin McDonald said: "The diocese greatly regrets the suffering that has been caused to those affected by Malcolm McLennan's behaviour." He added: "Malcolm McLennan has not been engaged in parish ministry for some 20 years." and will never return to parish ministry. "The Catholic Church now has a strict safeguarding policy which has created an environment whereby victims are encouraged to come forward. "In this case, the Diocese of Southwark has co-operated fully with the Kent Police throughout their investigation." Mr McLennan, pleaded guilty to three charges of indecent assault on a boy. The charges relate to three different children. He will appear for sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court on March 6.
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