(JERSEY)
Jersey Evening Post [St. Helier, Jersey, England]
April 11, 2025
By Megan Davies
A BISHOP has apologised for the sexual abuse carried out by a Catholic priest against a child in Jersey and claimed “robust” safeguards are in place in the church.
Philip Egan, the Bishop of Portsmouth, was commenting following the conviction of Piotr Glas, a former parish priest in the Island – which falls under the Diocese of Portsmouth.
Glas was this week found guilty of three counts of committing gross indecency against a child following a seven-day trial in the Royal Court. On multiple occasions, Glas held his face against the child’s feet while masturbating, and on one occasion play-wrestled the child to the ground until their face was in his crotch.
The court heard the “manipulative” priest used his position of authority as a member of the Catholic clergy to groom his victim before going on to sexually abuse them.
In a statement, the Right Rev Egan said: “As the Bishop and shepherd of the Diocese, I wish to express my deep sorrow for the crimes committed by Father Glas and to express my profound apologies to the survivor for the abuse they have suffered and the pain they have carried over the course of their life as a consequence of such grave offences.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their family.”
In his statement, the Bishop stressed that his Diocese had “robust safeguarding standards, policies and procedures” and that all allegations of abuse were reported to the relevant authorities.
According to the Diocese’s website, it is part of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency and follows national policies and procedures. These include a requirement to report any allegations of abuse to the safeguarding lead within one working day.
Where an offence might have been committed, the Diocese has to refer the allegation to the police within one working day.
The Diocese was committed to creating safe spaces for everyone, the Bishop said, adding: “This is a primary focus for all our clergy and people, one that is mandated by the Lord Himself.”
Glas is currently in custody and a sentencing date is due to be fixed on Friday. He had already been removed from active ministry when the initial concern was raised, the Diocese of Portsmouth confirmed in a previous statement.
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