Former Priest on Run after Ealing Sex Assault Claim

By Steve Bax
Ealing Gazette
September 3, 2012

http://www.ealinggazette.co.uk/ealing-news/local-ealing-news/2012/09/03/former-priest-on-run-after-ealing-sex-assault-claim-64767-31758517/

A FORMER priest who was questioned by police over an alleged sexual assault in Ealing has gone on the run.

Ex-Roman Catholic priest Lawrence Soper, 68, was arrested in September 2010 on suspicion of historical sexual assault relating to his time at St Benedict's School, Ealing.

The allegation was made by a man who is now in his 40s a couple of months earlier.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police Child Abuse Investigation Team investigated and Soper was arrested and later bailed to return to a west London police station in March 2011, but he failed to appear.

Extensive enquiries failed to trace him and a European Arrest Warrant for his arrest has been issued.

A police spokesman said: "It is believed he may be in Italy and we are appealing for anyone who may know of his whereabouts to please make contact on 020 8246 1901; if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."