UNITED KINGDOM
The Press
Exclusive By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter
THE Archbishop of York’s Office is investigating claims of a Church cover-up after a retired York vicar admitted sexually assaulting boys.
York Minster Canon Emeritus John Norman, who died in 2005, was cautioned and placed on the Sex Offenders’ Register in 2004 – but not prosecuted – after he confessed to offences against three youngsters, The Press can reveal.
The sister of one of his victims claims the only penalty from the Church was to be barred from administering the sacraments and he was allowed to remain a Canon Emeritus at the Minster. She said he died the following year on his 90th birthday with his high reputation intact, and he was praised with glowing obituaries in publications such as The Church Times.
The woman, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, also claimed the Church had never apologised to her brother for the abuse, which happened on boys-only camping trips organised by Canon Norman as well as in the village rectory, when her brother was a chorister at Dunnington church and Canon Norman was rector.
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