The Law Of… following up on historic abuse
A former Catholic priest and children’s home worker has been sentenced to 12 years in jail for historic child sex abuse dating back to the 1970s.
Responding to the details of the case, Peter Garsden – Head of Abuse Claims at Simpson Millar LLP – explains the importance on following up on historic abuse allegations.
Abuse In Care
Phillip Temple, 66, began work as a social worker in the London area in 1972 and, in his capacity, abused children in various children’s homes in the area.
Temple was ordained as a priest in 1988 and admitted to abusing 2 children, including an altar boy, at Christ the King Monastery where he served.
In total, Temple admitted to abusing 12 boys and 1 girl across the 70s and 80s.
During his sentencing, Judge Christopher Hehir accused Temple of exploiting the deceitful opportunities that his character had afforded him and branded him a “wolf in shepherd’s clothing” due to his actions as a priest.
Lying Under Oath
Temple almost faced justice in the later 1990s, as a teenage boy from the Christ the King Monastery made an accusation against the then priest.
However, 2 separate trials did not result in prosecution, as one ended without a verdict and the other resulted in an acquittal.
At the time, Temple denied all allegations against him and has now admitted to lying under oath during the trials in the 90s.
Temple was arrested in 2015 and questioned after the Metropolitan Policed launched a new investigation into the allegations of abuse.
After once again denying sexual abuse, Temple soon admitted to the crimes under police questioning and eventually volunteered the names of other boys he had abused.
Saga Of Abuse
The saga of abuse involving 13 children amounted to 27 separate charges of historical sex abuse, with incidents taking place at:
- Woking Close Family Centre and Hartfield House in Wandsworth between 1972 and 1974
- The Shirley Oaks Complex near Croydon between 1974 and 1977
- Christ the King Monastery from the late 1970’s into the 1980s
Abuse at the Shirley Oaks Complex is alleged to have been at an institutional level, as a survivor’s group has been formed to take a group action against those who worked in Lambeth children’s homes and abused the children they were meant to be caring for.
Speaking of Temple’s conviction, Peter said:
“The recent conviction of Philip Temple for multiple acts of abuse at so many locations over such a long period must bring welcome closure to the numerous victims who have tried in the past to achieve some sort of justice but failed because of Temple’s lies.”
“The whole saga is being examined by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) because of failed attempts by various institutions to stop Temple many years ago.”
“I would extend my offer of help to the Shirley Oaks Association if any of their members need any assistance.”
