Sex Probe after Man Accuses 2 Priests

Evening Times
April 29, 2013

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/sex-probe-after-man-accuses-2-priests-122727n.20946544



DETECTIVES are investigating historical claims of abuse made against two priests.

It came after a father-of-two claimed a priest raped him at one of Scotland's holiest Catholic sites, Carfin Grotto, near Motherwell in North Lanarkshire.

Pat McEwan, now 63, waived his right to anonymity to speak out about the alleged abuse.

He says the alleged sex attack happened when he was a young boy and claimed it was one of many he suffered at the hands of a group of priests in the west of Scotland.

He said he had visited the grotto, a shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes, with his mum and sister to visit a senior priest.

When his family members were out of sight Mr McEwan said a priest raped him.

He further alleges that a second priest began preying on him after approaching him in a school playground.

It was claimed he was also approached on several occasions by a group of priests near to his school.

The former shopfitter said he wanted "justice" and an apology from the Catholic Church.

He first spoke out about some of the allegations in 1998.

At the time police decided not to bring charges and no action was taken.

However, officers have now reopened the inquiry over the complaint of "historical indecencies" concerning two men, who are both now in their 80s, in Motherwell.

The Catholic Church in Scotland did not respond to our calls when approached for a comment.

A spokeswoman from Police Scotland said they had received a complaint about alleged "historical indecencies conducted by two men aged 84 and 88 in the Motherwell area".

She added: "An investigation is ongoing. It would be inappropriate to comment further."



Contact: rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk