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	Priest Is Arrested on Child Sex Claim This Is Lancashire November 9, 2010 http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/8625054.Priest_is_arrested_on_child_sex_claim/ A CATHOLIC priest has been suspended from clerical duties after he was arrested on suspicion of sexual abuse of a child. Father Geoffrey Hilton, who is the priest at St Osmund's in Long Lane, Breightmet, was arrested on Saturday in connection with an alleged incident at a church in Burnage, Manchester, in the 1980s. The allegation relates to a boy aged eight or nine and is alleged to have happened in St Bernard's RC Church, Burnage, where Fr Hilton served before moving to Bolton. The 54-year-old former policeman is described by neighbours and parishioners as well-liked and trusted, and those who know him said they were shocked to hear of his arrest. One churchgoer, who asked not to be named, said: "It's very sad. He is very well liked and he works very hard." Another added: "In Britain, you're innocent until you're proven guilty, and people want to remember that. "As soon as you mention the words 'Catholic priest' people jump to the wrong conclusion." St Osmund's church is a popular Catholic church at which Fr Hilton leads regular services, including a Saturday evening vigil. He was due to take a service yesterday, but some parishioners were told when they arrived that it had been cancelled, without explanation. Bishop Terence Brain took Fr Hilton's Saturday night service. One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "This is one of the main churches in the Diocese of Salford, so it's going to be a big shock. "I get on with him quite well — he seems okay, and a very busy chap." Fr John Flynn, a spokesman for the Salford Diocese, confirmed that Fr Hilton had been arrested in connection with an allegation made against him in a previous parish. He said: "The Diocesan Safeguarding Commission is co-operating fully with the police during their inquiries. "It is not yet possible to determine the outcome of this investigation. "We will do all we can to assure it proceeds without prejudice. "In accordance with the national policies and procedures of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, Bishop Terence Brain has put Fr Hilton on administrative leave. "This is a neutral act, and suggests nothing about the outcome of this case." A police spokesman said: "A 54-year-old man has been arrested following a report of sexual abuse that occurred in the 1980s in the Burnage area." Fr Hilton has been bailed pending further inquiries.
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