Ex-Church of England Priest Paid Off for Heinous Child Sexual Abuse
A Church of England priest who worked for Blackburn diocese between the years of 1991 to 2021 was made a six-figure pay off.
The six-figure settlement was made to the priest who was assessed as a potential risk to children and young people, following multiple allegations of child sex abuse and sexual assault over three decades.
Despite five police investigations and repeated internal risk assessments, the priest, nicknamed ‘Teflon’ by colleagues to imply complaints of child sex abuse would never stick, was never criminally charged, and concerns about him remained unresolved within the Church.
Key findings of a BBC investigation include:
- Restrictions placed on Hindley were not enforced.
- He continued ministry despite multiple risk assessments indicating safeguarding concerns.
- Senior clergy described a culture of fear of litigation, which delayed decisive action.
- Attempts to address complaints against Hindley were blocked by procedural obstacles.
The priest claims he was the target of a homophobic campaign and denies any wrongdoing. However, senior Church figures acknowledged systemic failures and fear of legal repercussions as barriers to action. A whistleblower resigned in protest, criticising the Church for prioritising reputation over the protection of victims.
The case raises broader concerns about safeguarding practices within the Church, prompting commitments to review risk assessment protocols and ensure quicker, more effective responses to safeguarding risks.
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