Former Christian camp leader David Fletcher accused of abuse and cover-up linked to John Smyth
A respected Christian camp leader who covered up paedophile John Smyth’s serial abuse has been accused of sexually abusing girls.
David Fletcher led the Iwerne Christian holiday camps in Dorset, a role that placed him in a position of trust within the local community. However, behind his façade which earned him the name The Honourable, was a deeply troubling reality.
Fletcher was not only complicit in the cover-up of prolific child abuser John Smyth but three women have now accused him of abusing them as children.
Smyth, a former barrister, used his involvement in church charity work to groom and abuse more than 100 young men and boys over four decades.
Fletcher, who died three years ago, played a significant role in concealing Smyth’s crimes, according to the independent Makin Review, which looked into the Church’s handling of the Smyth case.
The review, which was published in October 2024 and led to the resignation of former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, found Fletcher was instrumental in the Church’s efforts to shield Smyth, allowing the abuse of several boys and young men to continue.
The Church of England has now revealed three women have since come forward with allegations of sexual abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour, with their allegations reported to police and recorded as a crime.
One of these women recalls meeting Fletcher when she was just 13 years old. As an adopted child, she formed a close bond with Fletcher and his wife, viewing them as trusted figures in her life. However, this trust was shattered when, at the age of 15 or 16, Fletcher allegedly attempted to kiss her on the lips on multiple occasions, even trying to force his tongue into her mouth.
The abuse escalated in 1980 when the survivor was invited to Fletcher’s home. She alleges that he pressured her to “skinny dip” in his pool. While she was swimming, she said Fletcher “put his arm out and he put his hands between my legs and…digitally penetrated me”.
This traumatic experience left her feeling ashamed and defiled. Yet despite the severity of the incident, she felt unable to report it to the police, fearing Fletcher’s status as a “man of the cloth” would make her allegations unbelievable.
Another survivor came forward with allegations that Fletcher’s abuse continued at the evangelical Christian camps in Dorset, run by the Iwerne Trust during the Seventies and Eighties. She alleges Fletcher would pull her into “tight hugs” and sit her on his lap while placing his hand inside her shirt.
The Makin Review revealed Fletcher was warned about Smyth’s behaviour in 1981 but claimed he could not recall the warning. He admitted he could tell Smyth was “attracted to boys” but feared exposing the abuse would “do the work of God immense damage”. Survivors suggest Fletcher covered up Smyth’s crimes to hide his own misconduct.
In April 2018, the survivors reported the abuse to Hampshire Police while both Smyth and Fletcher were still alive, providing an opportunity for justice to be served. However, they heard nothing more, leaving them without closure or accountability.
Recently, the Church of England has stated that following the Makin Review, they received information regarding Fletcher’s alleged sexual abuse and coercive behaviour towards women and girls, which they reported to the police.
It is important survivors are aware they should not suffer in silence and support is available. As well as obtaining justice through the criminal process, survivors can be compensated through the civil process for the harm caused to them by the abuse. Bolt Burdon Kemp is committed to supporting survivors of abuse in obtaining the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual violence, we offer free, confidential advice to help you understand your legal options. If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual violence, we offer free, confidential advice to help you understand your legal options.
