Paedophile Priest Jailed for 1970s Child Abuse

London Evening Standard
February 14, 2013

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/paedophile-priest-jailed-for-1970s-child-abuse-8495949.html

A paedophile retired Church of England priest has been jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to historic sex offences against young boys dating back to the 1970's.

In December, Robert Coles, 71, admitted buggery and four indecent assaults on one victim and three indecent assaults against two other boys.

The offences took place in West Sussex and elsewhere in the late 1970's and early 1980's against boys aged between 10 and 16 at the time.

Coles, of Upperton Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, was due to face trial on June 10 on seven further alleged sex offences suspected to have been committed against the victims.

But prosecutor Ryan Richter told Brighton Crown Court that the outstanding charges would not be proceeded with following consultation with the victims and Sussex Police.

Judge Guy Anthony advised that the seven charges would lie on the court file and the retired clergyman was jailed for the 11 offences he pleaded guilty to in December, police said.

He was also served with a sexual offences prevention order banning him from contact with the victims, from having unsupervised contact with boys under 16 and from seeking a job which would involve unsupervised access to children under 16.

Coles was also ordered to register as a sex offender for life after his release from jail.

None of the charges related to claims of recent or current offending, and police said there was nothing to suggest any children were currently at risk.

Coles was arrested last March following a six-month investigation by Sussex Police child protection detectives who re-examined several historic allegations of abuse.

In 2011, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, set up an official inquiry into the Diocese of Chichester's child protection policies.

He appointed Bishop John Gladwin and Chancellor Rupert Bursell QC to conduct the inquiry, launched "in response to concerns within the diocese".

Detective Inspector Jez Prior, of Sussex Police, said following today's case: "We admire the courage of the victims in coming forward and being prepared to give evidence against Coles.

"We continue to encourage people wishing to report offences to contact us, regardless of how along ago alleged offending took place."

The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, issued a statement saying he was "appalled" by the case.

He apologised for the "betrayals and failings" that occurred but insisted the Church was a safe place for children.

He said: "I have read details of this case sent to me by the Diocese of Chichester and the Commissaries who were appointed by Bishop Rowan.

"My first concern is always for those whose lives have been affected in any way by cases of abuse within the Church of England and I am appalled by the details of today's case.

"The systems designed to protect the survivors clearly failed, their vulnerability was taken advantage of, and their lives have been deeply and in some cases permanently affected, as have the lives of those who love them.

"I believe that the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults should be the highest priority of all parts of the Church, and that any failings in this area must be immediately reported to the police.

"There are no excuses for shortcomings.

"I repeat what I have said before and, on behalf of the Church, apologise with deep grief for the betrayals and failings that occurred.

"The victims and survivors, their friends and relatives, are in my prayers and, as I have said, my priority as Archbishop of Canterbury is to prevent future failings of this kind happening again.

"We must ensure that the Church is and remains a safe place for all children, young people and vulnerable adults and I know this is a view shared by the Bishop of Chichester.

"The diocese, led by Bishop Martin (Warner), continues to work closely with the police and all statutory authorities in relation to safeguarding matters.

"The Commissaries appointed by Bishop Rowan have been continuing their work in the Diocese of Chichester, and I must commend their painstaking and careful attention to all the material safeguarding issues, and their very real concern for the survivors."