Thursday, November 11, 2010

Fr Geoffrey Hilton bailed over sex abuse claims

A Roman Catholic priest from Bolton has been suspended from clerical duties after he was arrested on suspicion of child sex abuse. 

Father Geoffrey Hilton parish priest of St Osmunds in Breightmet was released on bail after being held in connection with an alleged incident in the 1980s.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the alleged offence took place in the Burnage area of Manchester.

A Salford Diocese said Father Hilton had been placed on administrative leave.
 
Church guidelines

A diocesan spokesman said the action had been taken in line with the national policies and procedures of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales.

"This is a neutral act, and suggests nothing about the outcome of this case," he said.

The spokesman said the diocese was cooperating fully with the police inquiries.

A GMP spokesman said: "A 54-year-old man has been arrested following a report of sexual abuse that occurred in the 1980s in the Burnage area."

SIC: BBC/UK