By Chris Lloyd
Northern Echo
July 14, 2010
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/8270758.I_was_abused_at_the_hands_of_a_priest/?ref=rss
A FORMER altar boy told last night how he was sexually abused by a priest during retreats to Holy Island and Lourdes.
Mark Dixon, 38, of Darlington, told how he was ten when he became a victim of Father David Taylor, then the youth chaplain for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.
Over three years in the Eighties he was abused in a former convent in County Durham and in the priest's campervan.
Mr Dixon is speaking out because his abuser is likely to be released this year having served two-thirds of his sentence for abusing three boys.
"I was in the last year of junior school in Coundon when it started," said Mr Dixon.
"But even now, nearly 20 years later, it is there in my mind. It will never leave me."
He has waived his anonymity because, at a time when the Catholic church is coming under increased scrutiny over child sex abuse, he believes that ordinary people do not understand the psychological scars that the abuse leaves on victims.
 |
| VICTIM: Mark Dixon, who was abused by a priest. Photo by Doug Jackson |
"The public's perception is that the Church and the courts deal really well with a priest, but they forget about the people it has happened to," said Mr Dixon, who became depressed and attempted suicide in the lead-up to last year's court case.
"I've sent three letters to the Vatican and not had a single word back. Father Taylor's been defrocked by the Pope so even he must know what's gone on, but there's not even been a letter from my local diocese."
The first allegations against Taylor emerged in 2001 when he was parish priest in Billingham, near Stockton, but it was not until new allegations were made in 2008 that he was suspended from his new parish in Low Fell, Gateshead.
The judge at the hearing, Guy Whitburn, said the delay in dealing with Taylor was "unsatisfactory and disgraceful", although he accepted it had not put any further boys at risk.
He spoke of the "devastating effect" the abuse had on victims, who all came from devout Catholic families, although he praised the way the Church had responded to the second round of allegations.
Paul Young, the diocese safeguarding co-ordinator, said: "I echo the words of the Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, who said in April 'The criminal offences committed by some priests are a profound scandal. They bring deep shame to the whole Church.
"'We express our heartfelt apology and deep sorrow to those who have suffered abuse, those who have felt ignored, disbelieved or betrayed.
We ask their pardon, and the pardon of God for these terrible deeds done in our midst. There can be no excuses'."
| HILD SEX ABUSER: Father David Taylor |
Mr Young continued: "In this case, we have contacted all the victims to see what support, guidance and assistance we are able to offer.
"When I receive notification of (Taylor's) release, I will contact victims to notify them."
He said it was standard procedure for the Vatican to at least acknowledge any letters it received.
Mr Dixon said: "I just feel as if they wanted to get the court case done and dusted so that it was all over and no more need to be said.
"I just feel I have been hung out to dry, to get on with rebuilding my life on my own. I don't even know of a victims' group to turn to."
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.