The police statement reads:
A former Catholic priest has been found guilty of a non-recent sexual offence against a boy.
Yesterday (Tuesday 13 January), Alexander Bede Walsh, 72, of HMP Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was convicted of indecent assault against a child following a trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court.
Bede Walsh indecently assaulted the victim at a church in Cheadle in the 1980s.
He is currently serving a 22-year prison sentence after being convicted in 2012 of two sexual offences and 19 counts of indecent assault.
Detective Constable Joseph Allen, from our rape and serious sexual offences unit (RASSO), worked on the case.
He said: “Officers have worked hard to support those affected by Bede Walsh’s crimes and to build evidence against him to secure today’s conviction.
“If you’re a survivor and feel ready to tell us what has happened to you, please know that you will be listened to and supported every step of the way as we seek to deliver justice.”
If you’re ready to talk to us, call 101 or use Live Chat on our website.
Archbishop Bernard Longley comments:
“It is extremely distressing to hear of a further victim/survivor of Bede Walsh. As at the time of the initial trial in 2012, I offer once again my sincere apologies and wish to express my profound regret to all those have been affected.
“As the police have already done, I would also encourage any victim/survivors of abuse to speak to the police or to our diocesan Safeguarding Team: 0121 230 6240 / safeguarding@rcaob.org.uk.
“I reiterate that in the Archdiocese of Birmingham we have a zero-tolerance approach to all abuse.”
The Archdiocese of Birmingham is able to confirm that Bede Walsh was laicised by the Holy See following a petition by the Archdiocese some years ago.