UNITED KINGDOM
Wigan Today
CHARLES GRAHAM
Friday 21 April 2017
The victim who came forward to give evidence against a disgraced local priest has been praised for his bravery.
Following the guilty verdict of Father Michael Higginbottom, and his sentencing to 17 years in prison for sexual offences committed against a teenage boy in the 1970s, when the former priest taught at St Joseph’s College, the Crown Prosecution Service has sought to reassure other victims of similar assaults.
Claire Hilton, Senior Crown Prosecutor, Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “The victim in this case showed great courage in coming forward to report the offences committed and giving evidence at his trial.
His courage has enabled the CPS to bring him to justice for his crimes. “Higginbottom abused the significant position of trust he held as a teacher and guardian of the pupils in his care as well as a priest and representative of the Catholic Church.
“His actions have had a devastating impact on the victim from his school days and into his adult life.
Note: This is an Abuse Tracker excerpt. Click the title to view the full text of the original article. If the original article is no longer available, see our News Archive.