Margate Priest John Taylor Cleared of Rape

By Laura Archer
Isle of Thanet Gazette
April 19, 2013

http://www.thisiskent.co.uk/Margate-priest-John-Taylor-cleared-rape/story-18746198-detail/story.html#axzz2Qu6XVoa8

A MARGATE priest who had a rape charge against him dramatically dropped is planning to write a book about his 14-month ordeal.

Father John Taylor, 48, of Canterbury Road, walked free from Canterbury Crown Court on Monday after the prosecution offered no evidence against the Old Roman Catholic priest.

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ORDEAL: Father John Taylor from Margate is relieved

Father Taylor was arrested in February last year after a 28-year-old woman accused him of raping her.

He had met the woman for dinner on February 22 last year.

Following his arrest, Father Taylor, who had already separated from his wife at the time, told police the couple had sex but that it was consensual.

As the trial was about to start on Monday, the case collapsed with the Crown Prosecution Service offering no evidence.

Hours after the case collapsed, Father Taylor signed a media agreement to sell his story to national press and television.

He told the Gazette: "I'm going to write a book covering all the events and expose the lies.

"I was judged by people before the case came to court, now I have no intention of keeping quiet.

"My life has been destroyed.

"I lost my wife and kids.

"I've not been able to see or speak to my children for over a year.

"It has been a nightmare. "

His ex-wife Zsanett fled to her native Hungary with their two children because of the allegations.

Father Taylor also revealed how the stress left him physically and mentally exhausted.

"Sometimes I packed things up in my home, and said goodbye to certain things, in case I never saw them again.

"I cried most nights. I would go to bed not wanting to wake up in the morning.

"I wasn't eating and I couldn't walk for three weeks because of the stress of the case."

Prior to the case going to court, Father Taylor worked as a chaplain at Margate Magistrates' court, where he hopes to return to work.

He said: "I am so relieved that it is all over as it means I can get back to doing what I love.

"I missed doing the weddings, the funerals, and talking to people.

"I know it is going to take time to get back to normal but, if anything, it has made me a better priest for it.

"It has made me stronger and more understanding."

Father Taylor said he was looking forward to returning to his charity work.

He paid tribute to those who had supported him throughout his ordeal.

He added: "I took strength from the people who were there fore me and believed in me.

"The Reverend Brian Sharp came out of his way to speak to me and I was supported by members of the Greek and Islamic society."

Despite his ordeal, Father Taylor insists he it has not put him off dating.

He said: "I want to meet a nice woman who isn't going to scare me. I want no games, not to sleep next to somebody with one eye open."

Contact: laura.archer@KRNmedia.co.uk