Victims Call for an Investigation into Sussex Sexual Abuse

By Joel Adams
The Argus
October 8, 2015

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/13836660.Victims_call_for_an_investigation_into_Sussex_sexual_abuse/


CAMPAIGNERS have questioned the church's ability to investigate itself and have called for a judicial inquiry into clerical sexual abuse in Sussex.

It follows the sentencing of Peter Ball, the former Bishop of Lewes, who was given 32 months on Wednesday for indecent assault and misconduct in a public office.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has opened an investigation into how the Church dealt with the case.

But campaigners have called for another independent inquiry to find out why it took so long to bring him to justice.

Graham Sawyer, who lived in Eastbourne in his teens when he was the victim of indecent assault by Ball, said: “A judicial investigation would be welcome because then one could be sure it would be thorough and honest.

“There are serious questions still to be answered over why Peter Ball received a caution rather than being prosecuted in 1993."

Mr Sawyer also blamed the delay in bringing Ball to justice for the suicide of a fellow victim.

He said: “The result was that Neil Todd continued to live in absolute torment, and when the case was reopened in 2012 it was all too much for him and he took his own life.”

Allegations against Ball first came to light 22 years ago and it has been claimed that members of the established helped cover up the abuse.

The court heard Lord Carey, the Archbishop of Canterbury at the time, had called senior Crown Prosecution Service officials after Ball received a caution to seek clarification that no further action would be taken against the bishop even if further allegations should come to light.

Yesterday he rubbished claims of a cover up.

He said: "I greatly regret the fact that, during my tenure, we dealt inadequately with Peter Ball's victims and gave too much credence to his protestations.

"Allegations by some that my actions amounted to a cover-up or collusion with the abuser are wrong. I have always insisted upon the highest standards of holiness of life from all who are ordained."

Charlotte Phillips, speaking for the nationwide Goddard inquiry into child sexual abuse cases, could not confirm yesterday whether offences within the diocese of Chichester would be examined by the inquiry.

Fabia Bates, director of the Brighton-based charity Survivors’ Network, also called for an external inquiry,

She said: “I think it would be appropriate for an external and independent investigation to take place.

“I believe Goddard should look at this area specifically.

“The more time goes on, the more it appears that there are even greater grounds for a wider investigation.”

Arun Arora, speaking for the Church of England, stressed that Justin Welby has asked that the Goddard Inquiry into child sexual abuse to begin with a look at allegations of past abuses within the Church.