Top Bishop launches probe after Kilwinning priest is jailed for gambling £96,000 church funds

SCOTLAND
Daily Record

BY PETER DIAMOND

Bishop Bill Nolan will ask the Holy See to appoint a tribunal to investigate Father Bell’s conduct after he was jailed for 10 months after previously pleading guilty to embezzling the money.

The Diocese of Galloway have confirmed Father Graeme Bell’s future in the church is to be considered.

The parishioners of St Mary’s – and St John’s in Stevenston – who have endured a difficult year were also praised by the church who will now hold a ‘church tribunal’ to decide Mr Bell’s fate.

A spokesperson said: “This is a sad day for the Diocese of Galloway as Father Graeme Bell is sentenced.

“However, given amounts involved it is not surprising he has received a custodial sentence and we hope that in prison he will continue to receive the support he needs and which the diocese has offered him over the past year.

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