Napier Priest John Tovey Jailed for Indecent Assault of Young Woman
By Marty Sharpe
A former Anglican priest jailed for indecent assault has told a judge he is "truly repentant". John Tovey was sentenced to 15 months' jail in Napier District Court on Wednesday morning after pleading guilty to two charges of indecent assault. The offending occurred in Napier between April last year and January 2. Tovey, 64, was previously a vicar in North Canterbury and a priest-in-charge at Churton Park in Wellington for five years, and then in Wainuiomata for 10 years, before moving to Hawke's Bay in 2010, where he became associate priest at All Saints parish in Taradale. He held the position until late 2011. The church suspended Tovey's permission to officiate indefinitely, meaning he is not licensed or authorised to undertake any priestly duties. Tovey's lawyer, Jonathan Krebs, read Judge Bridget Mackintosh a letter, in which he said: "I wish to express my deepest sorrow for the offence I committed against a young woman in my care. "I am deeply regretful for the hurt I have caused her emotionally and psychologically and I can only hope, and pray, that in time she will make a full recovery. "Even though the path of restorative justice is not open to me, I am relieved to know that she has been receiving counselling. I am also very sorry for any hurt I have caused her family. "I was in a position of authority as a caregiver and I abused that position, for which I am extremely remorseful. "I regret the effect my offence has had on my family and friends and on the churches in which I have served. Nothing like this has ever occurred prior to this and I am truly repentant. "I ask you to receive my sincere apology on behalf of all these people. If I could turn the clock back and undo this behaviour I most certainly would do so. Sadly that is not possible." Before Tuesday's sentencing, the Right Rev Andrew Hedge, Bishop of Waiapu, which includes Hawke's Bay, removed Tovey's authority to hold the office of, or perform any function of, a priest in the Anglican Church. The bishop said foremost in his mind was that a woman who relied on the care of a priest had experienced pain, hurt and distress from his actions. "I am aware that this was in a role separate to the church. However, I am appalled and disheartened that a priest, upon whom there are clear expectations from the church and the wider community, has caused so much hurt and abused a position of trust as a provider of care and as a priest."
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