Church of England vicar accused of child sexual abuse is prohibited from ministry for life | Bolt Burdon Kemp Church of England vicar accused of child sexual abuse is prohibited from ministry for life | Bolt Burdon Kemp

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Church of England vicar accused of child sexual abuse is prohibited from ministry for life

BBK is appealing for witnesses after the Revd David Tudor was barred for life from the ministry over allegations of child sexual abuse.

The Church of England published a decision on its website following a tribunal hearing which took place on Monday 28 October 2024.

The tribunal hearing

The hearing concerned two victims, who have been named in the tribunal decision as X and Y to protect their identities. X and Y made complaints to the church under the church’s complaints procedure in 2018 and 2022 respectively and a lengthy tribunal process has since taken place. It has taken six years from the first complaint for Tudor to be held to account by the church.

The tribunal heard how, between 1982 to 1989, Tudor formed relationships with X and Y who were both children at the time and engaged in sexual acts with both. Tudor came into contact with the two victims in his roles of both parish priest and chaplain at St Bede’s School in Redhill, Surrey.

In the lead-up to the tribunal hearing, Tudor submitted a bundle of character evidence comprising evidence from 31 witnesses. The bulk of the character evidence related to Tudor’s ministry on Canvey Island, where he is currently based, and were supportive of Tudor’s character.

However, after submitting his character evidence, Tudor made a late admission of misconduct prior to the tribunal hearing. In his admission, Tudor accepted his behaviour was unbecoming and inappropriate to the office and work of a clerk in Holy Orders. Tudor offered full apologies to both X and Y for his behaviour.

Tudor made his admission and apologies after seeing the diary entries made by both X and Y which they had written at the time of the abuse as children, detailing the sexual acts that took place, and which the victims submitted as evidence for the tribunal hearing.

As a result of Tudor’s admission, and after hearing submissions from the barristers representing both sides, the tribunal came to the conclusion that this was a case of utmost seriousness that only a prohibition for life is appropriate.

A troubling history of alleged abuse

The tribunal judgment, which can be found on the Church of England’s website, sets out a chronology of Tudor’s involvement with the church which details multiple allegations of abuse.

In February 1988, Tudor was convicted of indecent assault relating to three victims. He was sentenced to six months in prison which he served, although the conviction was later overturned on a technicality.

In November 1988 Tudor was suspended from exercising his ministry in the church for five years following his admission of sexual intercourse with a 16-year old pupil of St Bede’s School.

He returned in the 1990s, and was appointed Team Vicar of Canvey Island in 1997 and Team Rector in 2000.  He has (subject to two periods of suspensions) remained in that position ever since.

Impact of the abuse on the victims

Both X and Y gave victim impact statements to the tribunal.

X described the difficulties that she had as a teenager dealing with her first sexual relationship in circumstances where that was a secret relationship, causing difficulties in her dealings with her mother, and causing her to cut herself off from her friends. The nature of the sexual acts at a young age has had a lasting impact on her consensual relationship moving forward. She moved into adulthood with a confused idea of what a consensual and respectful relationship should look like.

Y was left confused and in turmoil by her relationship with Tudor. Her memories of that relationship act as triggers which prevent her moving forwards. Her ongoing family relationships continue to be impacted.

Counsel for the victims, Henry Gordon, stated that X and Y have carried the burden of abuse for many years. He went on to state sexual assault on children is a gross violation and causes lasting trauma.

What can be taken from this?

It is of course a positive outcome that David Tudor has been barred for life from ministry, meaning he will no longer have access to young people through his position of trust as vicar.

However it is concerning that David Tudor has been able to enjoy a long career with the Church of England, despite a troubling chronology of events as we’ve seen from the tribunal’s judgment.

It is imperative institutions like the church continue to monitor and reassess their safeguarding policies and procedures to ensure individuals in a position of trust and power are behaving appropriately and keeping young and vulnerable people safe.

Witness appeal

I currently represent a victim of alleged abuse by David Tudor that occurred in the 1980s at St Bede’s School in Redhill. I am appealing for witnesses on behalf of my client who may be able to assist with our investigations.

If you have any information in relation to Tudor that might assist my client in their pursuit of justice, please contact me directly by email: emmabarrow@bbkllp.co.uk or by telephone +447879 222029.

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