JERSEY (JERSEY)
ITV News [London, UK]
April 10, 2025
Jersey’s Royal Court has found a former Catholic priest guilty on three counts of gross indecency with a child.
Piotr Antoni Glas, 61, committed his crimes on multiple occasions against a teenage boy between 2004 and 2007.
There were cries from the public dock when the guilty verdicts were read out, after an eight-day trial.
The officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Constable Caroline Foord, said: “This case highlights the serious nature of an abuse of authority and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their position or standing in the community or when the offences were committed.
“Glas used his position, as an influential member of the Catholic Clergy, to groom his victim and others who trusted him. His offending behaviours were both manipulative and controlling in nature.
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“The victim has shown a tremendous amount of courage to report this abuse, not only to seek justice to what had happened to them in the past, but also to safeguard others in the future.”
The court had heard how Piotr carried out ‘exorcisms’ on his victim and would ‘playfight’ with the complainant before committing sexually motivated acts.
The defendant was also described as having had a sexual interest involving feet – a ‘foot fetish’ that police say goes back many years.
In the dock during the trial, Glas would often have his eyes closed – sometimes looking up to the ceiling and rocking back and forth, holding prayer beads in his right hand.
A statement from Bishop of Portsmouth Philip Egan says: “I wish to express my deep sorrow for the crimes committed by Fr 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. The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all those within our parishes and church communities.
“There are robust safeguarding standards, policies and procedures in operation within the Diocese – and indeed throughout the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
“We report all allegations of abuse to the relevant statutory authorities, and we will continue our commitment to provide safe places for everyone.”
Piotr Antoni Glas will be sentenced on Friday 11 April, and will be remanded in custody until that date.