Priest Charged with 27 Sex Offences Held in Custody

Derby Telegraph
September 2, 2013

http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/Priest-charged-27-sex-offences-held-custody/story-19739470-detail/story.html#axzz2djWXPgD3

Derby Crown Court

A FORMER Derby priest has now been charged with 27 offences of sexual assault against children.

Francis Paul Cullen appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Saturday and was charged with 16 counts of indecent assault on a boy under the age of 16.

The 85-year-old was also charged with 10 counts of gross indecency involving a boy under the age of 14 and one further sexual offence.

Cullen, who spent 18 years working at Christ the King Catholic Church, Mackworth estate, was extradited from Tenerife, where he had been living.

He had been detained on a European arrest warrant issued by Britain.

Representing him, solicitor Rob Langton said all charges would be "vigorously denied."

Cullen has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Derby Crown Court on September 13.