Margate Priest on Rape Charge

Isle of Thanet Gazette
July 6, 2012

http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Margate-priest-rape-charge/story-16493847-detail/story.html

A PRIEST from Margate has been accused of raping a 28-year-old woman.

Reverend John Taylor, 48, of Canterbury Road appeared at Margate Magistrates' Court last Thursday morning.

Mr Taylor, who is an Old Roman Catholic priest, was chaplain at the court until last year, often visiting prisoners in the holding cells.

The offence is alleged to have happened on the evening of February 22 this year.

Mr Taylor stood in the dock as details of the charges were read out by prosecutor Julie Farbrace. He spoke only to confirm his name and address.

The case has been committed to Canterbury Crown Court where there will be a preliminary hearing on Monday.

Mr Taylor, who has denied the charge, was represented in court by barrister Jonathan Simpson from Charter Chambers in London.

Mr Simpson said the accusations would be "vigorously contested".

Mr Taylor was given bail on the condition that he does not contact the alleged victim.