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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Vicar who raped young boys jailed | Vicar who raped young boys jailed |
| (19 minutes later) | |
| A West Yorkshire vicar has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of raping two young boys and sexually attacking others. | A West Yorkshire vicar has been jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of raping two young boys and sexually attacking others. |
| The Reverend Peter Hedge, 47, from Holy Trinity Church at Queensbury, near Bradford, had denied the attacks, which happened during the 1990s. | |
| A jury at Bradford Crown Court found him guilty of more than 30 indecent assaults as well as the rapes. | A jury at Bradford Crown Court found him guilty of more than 30 indecent assaults as well as the rapes. |
| The judge said he was a "dreadful disgrace" to the church. | The judge said he was a "dreadful disgrace" to the church. |
| Cannabis used | |
| The judge described Hedge's actions as "calculated and systematic abuse". | |
| "He corrupted three of the boys with cannabis, his wickedness defied description. | |
| "You [Hedge] scarred and blighted the lives of young boys who trusted you as a pastor and friend." | |
| Det Sgt Linda Christie, from West Yorkshire Police's child and public protection unit, said: "We are pleased with today's verdict and hope it brings some closure to the victims of Peter Hedge. | |
| "He abused his position of trust as a vicar and committed horrendous acts of abuse against vulnerable boys who trusted him." | |
| The Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David James, said in a statement: "Clergy in the Church of England are expected to uphold the highest moral standards. | The Bishop of Bradford, the Right Reverend David James, said in a statement: "Clergy in the Church of England are expected to uphold the highest moral standards. |
| "By committing these very serious crimes, Peter Hedge has betrayed the trust put in him by the people of Thornbury and Queensbury." | "By committing these very serious crimes, Peter Hedge has betrayed the trust put in him by the people of Thornbury and Queensbury." |