Catholic Priest Quizzed for Second Time over Sexual Abuse Allegations

By Amy Westlake
Rochdale Online
May 15, 2014

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/87152/catholic-priest-quizzed-for-second-time-over-sexual-abuse-allegations

Canon Mortimer Stanley, 82, a former priest at St Vincent de Paul RC Church in Norden, Rochdale, has been interviewed for the second time regarding historic sexual abuse.

Canon Stanley, who retired from St Vincent de Paul RC Church in 2002, was first interviewed last year.

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

The women were under the age of 11 when it is alleged the offences happened. It is claimed that the incidents took place in a presbytery next to the school.

It is understood that since original reports, another six women have come forward with information.

A spokesperson for 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.”

Canon Stanley joined the church as a parish priest in 1972. He retired in 2002 and moved to Ireland.