Denton Priest Quits after Sex Abuse Probe against Him Is Dropped

The Manchester Evening News
October 23, 2013

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/denton-priest-father-tim-hopkins-6222749

Father Tim Hopkins

A Catholic priest has resigned despite being told he won’t be prosecuted over allegations he sexually abused a young girl.

Father Tim Hopkins, 44, was interviewed under caution last year by detectives investigating allegations a girl was molested on three occasions between 2004 and 2007. He was not arrested.

The M.E.N. revealed last week that the Crown Prosecution Service had decided to take no further action against the clergyman after considering a police file on the case.

Now it has emerged Fr Hopkins has resigned as priest for the St John Fisher and St Mary’s churches in Denton.

He was suspended from his church duties by the Salford diocese as a ‘neutral act’ while the police probe continued.

The Bishop of the Salford Diocese, Rev Terence Brain, confirmed the resignation in a statement he read to parishioners.

It said: “In respect of the allegations made against Fr Timothy Hopkins, the CPS has concluded that there is no further action to take against him.

“In line with national safeguarding procedures, the Catholic Safeguarding Commission has undertaken further inquiries which have now concluded. Following a stressful time for Fr Tim Hopkins, the parish, and all concerned, Fr Hopkins and I have agreed for him to take a period away from parish ministry.

“Fr Hopkins has offered his resignation as parish priest, and I have accepted his resignation. In order to provide for the continuing pastoral care of the parish of St Mary and St John Fisher, I have appointed as your new parish priest, Fr Peter Kinsella, who will be with you at the beginning of November.

“Fr Hopkins would like to thank you for your support and prayers throughout this time and would wish to assure you of his continuing prayers in the future.”

Fr Hopkins remains a governor at St Bede’s 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 allegations centred on incidents said to have taken place in Manchester, not Tameside, in connection with his ministry.