DETECTIVES are preparing to meet with the Church of England to assess re-opening a criminal case against former vicar David Tudor after he was struck off over sexual abuse allegations at a tribunal.
Surrey Police have confirmed the force will be contacting the Church of England to discuss the findings of a tribunal last month into allegations against the Rev Canon David Tudor.
The former team rector for the Parish of Canvey was arrested in April 2019 and investigated over allegations of indecent assault.
However in August 2022, police dropped the case and confirmed he would face no charges.
A tribunal on October 28 saw Mr Tudor handed a lifelong ban from the church and was "removed from office".
A spokesman for Surrey Police, who dropped the original investigation, has confirmed the force will be discussing further steps with the church and reviewing the tribunal’s evidence.
They added: “The case currently remains closed, but we will be contacting the Church of England to discuss the findings of their tribunal and any new information or disclosures that may have been made to them.
“Anything new will be reviewed alongside material we already hold to ascertain if the case should be further investigated.”
Mr Tudor, in the tribunal, accepted he engaged in sexual acts with a victim, who shall remain anonymous, when she was aged 16 and 17 though he has “no recollection.”
A second victim, claimed he engaged in sexual acts with her when she was aged 16 and he 27, with Mr Tudor not challenging this account, but questioning if the type of acts claimed by the victim are correct.
The allegations, dating to between 1982 and 1989, have been described in the tribunal report as being “properly characterised as sexual abuse” which were “not isolated incidents.”
Law firm, Bolt Burdon Kemp, is currently appealing for witnesses following the tribunal, with abuse solicitor Emma Barrow, representing a victim of alleged abuse.
Emma Barrow said: “It is concerning that David Tudor has been able to enjoy a long career with the Church of England, despite a troubling chronology of events as we’ve seen from the tribunal’s judgment.
“It is imperative institutions like the church continue to monitor and reassess their safeguarding policies.”
If you have information relating to Tudor that may assist, contact Emma by email emmabarrow@bbkllp.co.uk or by telephone +447879 222029.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article