No Action Taken against Former Peterborough Priest

By Stephen Briggs
Peterborough Telegraph
May 9, 2014

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/local/no-action-taken-against-former-peterborough-priest-1-6048155

Father David Jennings during a service at Peterborough Cathedral in 2009. Photo: Georgi Mabee/Peterborough Telegraph

A former Peterborough priest will have no further action taken against him following his arrest on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.

Father David Jennings (57) had been priest at St Peter and All Souls Church in Peterborough, until he moved to the parish of St Mary’s Church in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.

He was arrested in January on suspicion of having indecent images of children.

However, he was released on bail following his arrest, and was suspended by the Diocese of East Anglia while police carried out their investigation.

He also stood down from his position as governor at St Mary’s Primary School, Gorleston, and as a member of the Safeguarding Commission for the Diocese,

He answered his bail last week, where officers said they were taking no further action against him.

A spokeswoman for Norfolk police said: “Following detailed enquiries, no further action will be taken against a 57-year-old man from Great Yarmouth arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children.”

Fr Jennings was awarded the Freedom of the City of Peterborough during a special ceremony in Cathedral Square.

He was given the honour in recognition of his work to promote cohesion amongst different communities in Peterborough and for having a significant impact on wider aspects of life in the city.

During his time in Peterborough Fr Jennings took an active role in strengthening the group of city centre churches which now operate as ‘Churches Together’ working jointly to enhance life within the city for some of the most needy people.

A spokesman for the diocese of East Anglia said they were not in a position to comment.

Fr Jennings was not available to comment.