Catholic priest quizzed again over sex abuse allegations

By Neal Keeling
Manchester Evening News
May 14, 2014

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/rochdale-catholic-priest-mortimer-stanley-7115795

Canon Mortimer Stanley

Canon Mortimer Stanley, 82, who retired from St Vincent de Paul RC Church in Norden, Rochdale, was first interviewed last year

A Catholic priest has again been quizzed about historic sex allegation.

Canon Mortimer Stanley, 82, who retired from St Vincent de Paul RC Church in Norden, Rochdale, was first interviewed last year.

Originally three women claimed they were indecently assaulted and sexually abused while pupils at nearby St Vincent’s Primary School.

The women were under 11 when it is alleged the offences happened more than 30 years ago.

It is claimed the abuse was committed in a presbytery next to the school. After the M.E.N reported the allegations six other women came forward with information.

Canon Stanley, who joined the church as a parish priest in 1972, retired to his native Ireland in 2002. He retired to Ballybunion in Kerry.

In a statement Greater Manchester Police said: “Detectives investigating reports of historic sexual abuse have further interviewed an 82-year-old man under caution.

“The investigation relates to the indecent assault and sexual abuse of women during their time as schoolgirls at St Vincent’s Primary School in Norden, Rochdale.

“An 82-year-old man was interviewed under caution in November 2013 in relation to allegations from three women.

“Following an appeal for information a number of other women contacted police and the man has been further interviewed under caution in relation to these matters.

“A full file of evidence will now be compiled for consideration by the CPS.”

The CPS will now scrutinise the file before deciding if any charges should be brought.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.