This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lincolnshire-35933385
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Former rector Stephen Crabtree jailed for abusing girl | Former rector Stephen Crabtree jailed for abusing girl |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A disgraced clergyman who repeatedly sexually abused a 15-year-old girl has been given a three-year jail sentence. | A disgraced clergyman who repeatedly sexually abused a 15-year-old girl has been given a three-year jail sentence. |
| Stephen Crabtree, 59, from Bradford, committed the indecent assaults between April 1992 and April 1993. | Stephen Crabtree, 59, from Bradford, committed the indecent assaults between April 1992 and April 1993. |
| The former rector of Washingborough and Heighington, who admitted his guilt at a previous hearing, was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court. | The former rector of Washingborough and Heighington, who admitted his guilt at a previous hearing, was sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court. |
| The Bishop of Lincoln said: "I am very sorry indeed that it has taken so long for proper justice to be served." | The Bishop of Lincoln said: "I am very sorry indeed that it has taken so long for proper justice to be served." |
| Speaking after the hearing, the Right Reverend Christopher Lowson added that the sentence was a "just and appropriate punishment for the appalling abuse to which he subjected a child". | |
| Other allegations | |
| Diocesan safeguarding staff had recently discovered the allegations against Crabtree and immediately passed the information on to Lincolnshire Police, the bishop said. | Diocesan safeguarding staff had recently discovered the allegations against Crabtree and immediately passed the information on to Lincolnshire Police, the bishop said. |
| The Church would offer support to anyone who contacts it about issues of harm and abuse and pass all information to the police, he added. | The Church would offer support to anyone who contacts it about issues of harm and abuse and pass all information to the police, he added. |
| Det Supt Rick Hatton, of Lincolnshire Police, said Crabtree's "betrayal of trust had a profound effect upon the victim". | |
| "It has taken great courage and a period of time for this abuse to come out." | |
| He said police were currently working in partnership with the diocese to investigate "a number of allegations of non-recent abuse". | |
| He added: "These investigations have come about due to a detailed file review carried out by the diocese and a desire to ensure truth and justice for all past victims of abuse. | |
| "The sentencing of the Rev Stephen Crabtree is as a result of this investigation." | |
| The current operation investigating claims of historical abuse has the "full support" of the bishop, Det Supt Hatton said. | |
| Crabtree, of Ollerdale Avenue, admitted six counts of indecent assault, at a hearing on 4 March. | Crabtree, of Ollerdale Avenue, admitted six counts of indecent assault, at a hearing on 4 March. |