Lichfield Diocese Is Critical of Stone for ‘dragging out Trial’, Burton Mail, December 17, 2010

Lichfield Diocese Is Critical of Stone for ‘dragging out Trial’

Burton Mail
December 17, 2010

http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/News/Lichfield-Diocese-is-critical-of-Stone-for-dragging-out-trial.htm

Gavin Drake

IN A statement issued after sentencing, Gavin Drake, director of communications for the Bishop and Diocese of Lichfield, said Stone resigned as team vicar of Marchington, Marchington Woodlands, Kingstone and Leigh following his conviction.

He consequently no longer held any Church of England position nor possessed a licence to serve or minister as a priest.

But Mr Drake said: “His resignation does not remove him from the Church’s disciplinary processes, and while not licensed he remains under the authority of the Bishop.”

Disciplinary guidelines said anyone convicted of possessing child pornography should be regarded as complicit with the original abuse involved in making the images, he explained.

There could be no realistic expectation that a convicted cleric could be safely restored to ministry, with removal from office and prohibition for life normally imposed.

Mr Drake said the Bishop would consult Lord Justice Mummery, a High Court judge who sits as President of Tribunals and Chairman of the Clergy Discipline Commission, and await the court’s certificate of conviction, as required by law, before imposing the penalty.

He said: “There is obviously upset in the four parishes.

“Stone’s behaviour in dragging out the trial and in sending out contradictory messages has not helped the parishioners come to terms with what he has done.”

Mr Drake added: “Incidents like this are extremely rare. Parents and the public can be assured the Church has robust procedures in place to protect children entrusted to our care, and that protection of children is of primary importance.”