Former Peterborough Priest Arrested over Indecent Images Allegations
By Ken McErlain
Tuesday 5.30pm: A former Peterborough priest has been arrested on suspicion of having indecent images of children. Father David Jennings, current parish priest of St Mary’s Church in Great Yarmouth, has been arrested by Norfolk Police. The Norwich-born Catholic Priest took over at the church in September having previously served at St Peter and All Souls Church in Peterborough. In July 2012 he was awarded Freedom of the City of Peterborough for his services to the city. A statement released by the Diocese of East Anglia said: “The Revd Fr David Jennings, a priest of the Diocese of east Anglia, was arrested on January 9th with regard to allegations relating to safeguarding issues. He has been released on police bail and will report back to them in due course. “Fr Jennings has voluntarily withdrawn from all active ministry and as a governor of S Mary’s Primary School, Gorleston, and as a member of the Safeguarding Commission for the Diocese with immediate effect. His withdrawal makes no judgement of guilt or innocence but is in accord with the safeguarding procedures of the Catholic Church of England and Wales. ?“The Right Revd Alan Hopes, Bishop of East Anglia, has affirmed that ‘the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people is of paramount importance to the Catholic Church and the Diocese is co-operating fully with the police in this ongoing investigation. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in this matter’.” The statement added: “At present it would not be appropriate to make any further comment.” Norfolk Police said in a statement: “A 56-year-old man from Great Yarmouth has been arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images of children. “He has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.”
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