Ex-priest Chris Brain convicted of 17 counts of indecent assault

Chris Brain, a 68-year-old former Church of England priest, has been convicted of 17 counts of indecent assault involving nine women. Brain was the leader of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS), a prominent evangelical congregation that operated out of St Thomas Crookes Church in Sheffield during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Brain was acquitted of 15 additional indecent assault charges, while the jury continues to deliberate on four more counts of indecent assault and one allegation of rape.

In a post a few days ago, I wrote about the nature of the allegations against him, including that the married Brain had a “homebase team” of Lycra-clad women responsible for cooking and cleaning for him, who also had to “put him to bed” and give him massages. Some of these massages allegedly escalated to sexual assault. Brain claimed the massages were for his “tension headaches”. He was also accused of forcing these women to re-enact a film scene involving sexual abuse.

Today’s verdict confirms that Brain both sexually and spiritually abused nine women.

Although he was found not guilty in relation to 15 other indecent assault charges, it is quite possible these individuals might still have a civil claim, as another route to justice.

During the criminal trial, the NOS was described by prosecutors as a “cult”, where women were objectified, manipulated and at times exploited by Brain.

One survivor described how members of the NOS experienced grooming behaviours which cut them off from friends, disrupted their sleep patterns and changed their looks. Another survivor told the court she felt unable to question Brain’s actions because he “represented God.” Multiple victims have testified that Brain told them “You can’t be spiritual without being sexual.” This type of behaviour is now understood to be spiritual abuse.

At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we support survivors to pursue justice with sensitivity, integrity, and expertise. As a member of the Church of England myself, I understand how complex either spiritual or sexual abuse can be for survivors.

If you or someone you know has suffered abuse in a religious setting, you are not alone, and we can support you in exploring your options. Please feel free to contact Bolt Burdon Kemp, or me directly (hayleychapman-todd@bbkllp.co.uk) for free and confidential legal advice.