Wirral Priest Father Peter Hooper on Child Sex Charge

BBC News
May 15, 2012

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-18069543

A Roman Catholic priest in Wirral has been charged with having sex with a teenage boy.

Father Peter Hooper, 54, of St Luke The Physician Church, in Bebington, was remanded in custody after a hearing at Wirral Magistrates Court on 9 May.

He will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court.

Merseyside Police said it "can confirm that Peter James Hooper has been charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child".

A spokeswoman for Shrewsbury Diocese also confirmed that one of its priests had been charged in connection with offences against a minor.

"The priest has been withdrawn from all ministry in line with procedures," she said.

"The diocese is co-operating fully with the statutory agencies involved and is totally committed and in compliance with all the appropriate safeguarding requirements.

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