Child Victim of Former Chichester Priest Rejects Compensation

Bognor Regis Observer
October 25, 2013

http://www.bognor.co.uk/news/top-stories/latest/child-victim-of-former-chichester-priest-rejects-compensation-1-5623614

THE VICTIM of child abuse by a former Chichester priest has rejected a compensation package from the diocese.

The man, who cannot be identified, was sexually abused as a boy between 1982 and 1984 in Chichester by Robert Coles, 71, who is now serving an eight-year jail term for the offences.

The victim told the BBC this week he wanted an amount ‘in proportion’ to his suffering.

He has rejected a six-figure sum from the diocese.

Coles pleaded guilty last December to 11 offences against this victim, and also two other boys, aged ten at the time.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby spoke out after the sentencing.

“I have read details of this case sent to me by the Diocese of Chichester and the commissaries who were appointed by Bishop Rowan,” he said in February.

“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.”

To see the BBC’s interview with the victim, click here