Elderly victim sexually assaulted by priest because she was 'perfect victim', court hears

Western Gazette
October 7, 2015

http://www.westerngazette.co.uk/Elderly-victim-sexually-assaulted-priest-perfect/story-27937736-detail/story.html

Reverend Roy Catchpole

AN elderly woman was sexually assaulted by a priest because she was the "perfect victim", a court heard.

Roy Catchpole, 69, of Gainsborough, Milborne Port, is charged with three accounts of sexual assault and one of exposure.

His trial began on Tuesday at Bournemouth Crown Court.

The alleged offences took place between August 1, 2013 and June 29, 2014.

Catchpole, who appeared smartly dressed in grey suit jacket and yellow shirt, denies all charges.

In her opening statement, prosecutor Fern Russell explained how the victim, a retired lady who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was the "perfect victim" for Catchpole.

She highlighted that the woman has previously been the victim of another sexual assault, one that was completely unrelated and had nothing to do with this incident or Catchpole.

Both defence and prosecution acknowledge that this would have had an impact on the victim.

Miss Russell described the victim as a timid character with a great respect for Catchpole's position as a priest. She said: "The defence are likely to say that she is so unreliable and troubled that it is a waste of time having a trial at all.

"It is her fragility and her personality that made her such a perfect target for the indecencies of Mr Catchpole and Mr Catchpole knew this.

"She will tell you that Mr Catchpole made it clear that if she spoke about it in any way, who would believe her, he is a vicar, she is unstable.

"Those who are vulnerable tend to be those who are victims."

The first two counts of sexual assault refer to Catchpole deliberately touching the victim in intimate places. The court heard they were multiple counts, meaning the incidents in question took place at on at least two occasions.

The third count of sexual assault refers to a single incident where Catchpole is alleged to have removed the victim's lower clothing and looked at her.

The fourth count is for exposure. It refers to a number of times when Catchpole is alleged to have exposed himself to the victim with the intent to cause harm or distress.

The jury was then shown a DVD of a portion of the victim's witness statement, recorded on July 15, 2015 during her interview with Dorset Police Constable Gareth Hemple.

As soon as the first question was posed, the victim broke down into sobs and she remained visibly distressed for the remainder of the video clip shown.

During the interview she described how Catchpole had a "dirty smile" and how he told her that he wanted to have sex with her.

The victim went on to describe incidents where Catchpole had touched her and the time that he came to visit her and he removed some of her clothing.

She said: "I was lying on the sofa in pyjamas. He said come here and I will make it better."

Speaking of another conversation she had with Catchpole, she said he told her that he was "happy" when he saw her and that he would touch himself while thinking of her.

The trial continues.