Plymouth Catholic priest under police investigation for alleged sex offence

By Plymouth Herald
Herald
March 12, 2014

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Plymouth-Catholic-priest-police-investigation/story-20800002-detail/story.html

Father Michael Kirkpatrick

POLICE are investigating a historic sexual offence allegation against a Plymouth-based Catholic priest.

Father Michael Kirkpatrick, based at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface in Plymouth, was arrested on suspicion of an historic sexual offence alleged to have taken place before he became a priest.

Bishop Mark O’Toole took to the pulpit at every Mass at the cathedral in Stonehouse on Sunday, March 2, to deliver the news.

He told the congregation that Fr Kirkpatrick was under investigation.

Fr Kirkpatrick is a former governor and chaplain at Holy Cross primary school in the city centre.

A police spokesman said: "On February 27, 2014, a 68-year-old male member of the Catholic church in Plymouth was arrested on suspicion of a sexual offence following a complaint made to police about an historic matter.

"Detectives from the Public Protection Unit in Plymouth are investigating the matter.

"The man was released on police bail until May 22."

A safeguarding officer for the Diocese of Plymouth confirmed a complaint had been made against an employee and they had handed the matter over to Devon and Cornwall police.

Andy Kings, a safeguarding spokesman for the diocese, said: "Following a complaint to the diocesan safeguarding office, a matter has been referred to the Devon and Cornwall police in-line with national procedure and in-line with the national policy of the Catholic church in England and Wales.

"The matter relates to historic offences which occurred before the individual entered the Catholic church.

"Given that the matter is subject to an ongoing criminal investigation it is not appropriate to comment further or speculate over the matter or its outcome.

"Any queries as to the progress of the investigation should be directed to the police who have, and will continue to receive, the full support of the bishop and the diocese during their inquiries."

Mr Kings would not confirm whether Fr Kirkpatrick had been suspended from sacramental duties while the investigation is carried out.