Catholic Priest Father Tim Hopkins Quizzed over Eleven-year-old Girl Sex Abuse Allegations

Manchester Evening News
December 8, 2012

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1595632_catholic-priest-father-tim-hopkins-quizzed-over-eleven-year-old-girl-sex-abuse-allegations

POLICE QUIZ: Father Tim Hopkins was interviewed under caution over allegations he sexually abused a girl aged 11

A Catholic priest has been quizzed by police over allegations he sexually abused a girl from the age of eleven.

Father Tim Hopkins, 44, was interviewed under caution by detectives investigating allegations a girl was molested on three occasions between 2004 and 2007. It is understood he was not arrested.

He has been suspended from his church duties by the Salford diocese as a 'neutral act' while the police probe continues.

His parishioners in Denton were informed Fr Hopkins had been temporarily relieved of his duties just before Sunday services at St John Fisher and St Mary's churches.

He had been working as the priest at both churches.

The announcement was made by the Bishop of Salford, Terence Brain.

Fr Hopkins was not present when the M.E.N. visited his home in Denton.

It is understood he has moved away from the area while police inquiries continue.

Fr Hopkins remains a governor at St Bedes RC College in Whalley Range, Thomas More RC College in Denton and St Mary's RC Primary.

Before taking over as parish priest for the Haughton Green area of Denton in 2010, Fr Hopkins had been priest at St Vincent's in Openshaw and St Brigid's in Beswick.

The incidents are alleged to have taken place in Manchester, not Tameside, in connection with Fr Hopkins' ministry.

One of his current parishioners, who declined to be named, said: “We were all completely shocked when we were told by the bishop at St John Fisher.

“There must have been 200 in the congregation. He is such a very nice bloke, and really courteous.”

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “A 44-year-old man has been interviewed by detectives investigating a report of sexual abuse."

Police added the questioning related to alleged assaults between 2004 and 2007 when the complainant was aged between 11 and 14, and that inquiries were ongoing.

A spokesman for Salford diocese said: “A young person has made an allegation against Fr Tim Hopkins, a priest of the Diocese of Salford.

“The allegation is of sexual abuse in the past and is being investigated by the police.

“The diocese is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of children and young people and as such, in line with national safeguarding procedures, Fr Hopkins has temporarily withdrawn from ministry. This is a precautionary and neutral act.

“Fr John Flynn has been appointed as Parish Administrator during Fr Hopkins’s absence.

“The diocese is co-operating fully with the statutory agencies in this matter.”