Priest arrested in connection with embezzlement of church funds

STV
June 1, 2015

http://news.stv.tv/west-central/1322050-father-graeme-bell-of-st-marys-in-saltcoats-arrested-for-embezzlement/

St Mary's: Father Bell had already been due to leave the church.

A catholic priest in North Ayrshire has been forced to leave his church after being arrested in connection with embezzlement offences.

Father Graeme Bell, the priest at Our Lady Star of the Sea which is also known as St Mary's in Saltcoats, had already been due to leave the church on Monday.

However the 40-year-old was arrested on Wednesday as the police continue their investigation.

A spokesman for the Diocese of Galloway said: "Father Graeme Bell recently received permission from Bishop Nolan, to take a leave of absence and to resign his position as Parish Priest of Our Lady, Star of the Sea, Saltcoats.

"This was due to begin on Monday June 1. On Wednesday May 27 a report was passed to Police Scotland alleging financial irregularities in the parish.

"Police enquiries are ongoing and Father Bell has vacated the parish house. The Diocese of Galloway will continue to assist the police in their investigations."

The church's website simply said: "As you will be aware Father Graeme has now left our parish and Canon Poland has been appointed parish administrator."

It had been reported the offences stretch back years with the police investigation originally set up to look into funds for pilgrimages to Lourdes and missionary work in Guyana.

Over the weekend statements were read at St Mary's and other nearby churches confirming Father Bell's departure.

One parishioner told the Evening Times: "We're utterly shocked. We knew something was up with Father Graeme for a while but thought it was stress brought on by family issues.

"But on Saturday we were told he has now left and there's an investigation into financial irregularities.

"The statement was in the name of Bishop Nolan but we're told was prepared by the diocese lawyers.

"We were also told there wasn't much could be said as the police were looking into it."

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland added: "A 40-year-old man was arrested in Saltcoats on Wednesday May 27 in connection with alleged embezzlement offences."