Priest on Child Sex Charges

Bourne Local
May 14, 2012

http://www.bournelocal.co.uk/news/priest-on-child-sex-charges-1-3843429

A Roman Catholic priest from the Wirral has appeared in court on child sex charges.

Father Peter James Hooper, 54, has been charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child.

Hooper, from Merseyside, is a priest at St Luke The Physician Church, in Bebington.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "The 54-year-old from Church Road, Bebington, was charged on Tuesday May 8 and appeared in Wirral Magistrates' Court in Birkenhead on May 9.

"He was remanded in custody to appear in court again on May 23 2012."

A statement on the Diocese of Shrewsbury website said: "The Diocese of Shrewsbury can confirm that a priest within the diocese has been charged in connection with offences against a minor.

"The priest has been withdrawn from all ministry in line with procedures and is due to appear in Crown Court on May 23 2012.

"The diocese is cooperating fully with the statutory agencies involved and is totally committed to, and in compliance with, all the appropriate safeguarding requirements.

"The diocese is unable to comment further at this time for legal reasons."

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