CHRIS BRAIN, founding father of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield, has been summonsed to court to be charged with multiple counts of non-recent sexual offences.
South Yorkshire Police said in a press release on Thursday that Mr Brain, aged 66, of Park Road, Wilmslow, in Cheshire, “is facing one count of rape and 33 counts of indecent assault, alleged to have been committed between 1981 and 1995. He has been summonsed to attend Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 18 March.”
The NOS was a rave-culture style Evangelical initiative that attracted scores of young worshippers in Sheffield through the Nineteen Eighties and ’90s. It collapsed within the ’90s amid claims of sexual and mental abuse. The NOS was initially held in St Thomas’s, Crookes, Sheffield, before moving to Ponds Forge in the town centre.
The District Commander for Sheffield, Chief Superintendent Lindsey Butterfield, said: “These charges follow a posh and wide-ranging investigation into events dating back 30 or more years.
“The police investigation was launched in 2020, when quite a few victims got here forward to report the allegations to us. Since this time, an investigation team has been working hard to accumulate a full picture of what’s reported to have happened.
“We understand this can be a concerning case and one which may have an impact upon individuals and communities. We will proceed to supply appropriate support and updates to those involved.”
South Yorkshire Police is appealing for some other potential victims or witnesses who haven’t yet spoken to the police to return forward. The statement says: “You can pass information to us via our online live chat, our online portal or by calling 101. Please quote investigation number 14/174466/19 if you get in contact. You can access our online portal here: www.southyorks.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/.”
South Yorkshire Police reported in 2022 that it had arrested a person and a girl on suspicion of sexual offences, alleged to have taken place in Sheffield between 1980 and 1995 (News, 2 September 2022).
Its statement on Thursday says: “A lady previously arrested in connection to the case stays under investigation.”
The diocese of Sheffield said in a press release that it had been working with the police and the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team throughout the investigation. “We cannot comment further on the specifics of the fees while the legal process takes place.”
The Bishop of Doncaster, the Rt Revd Sophie Jelley, said: “We understand just how much courage it takes for victims and survivors to return forward, and we commend their bravery. We are committed to working with them in the way in which they need, each to enable their support and the support of those that haven’t yet felt in a position to come forward.
“We would strongly encourage any who’re affected by today’s news to contact us here on the diocese of Sheffield, or to go on to the police. Abuse of any kind is a source of great sorrow, and particularly in relation to the Church. In the diocese of Sheffield, we’re working hard to attempt to ensure churches are protected and welcoming for all people. This is a responsibility we take extremely seriously.”
The diocese has a dedicated web page for anyone who’s affected by the news, and it says that its safeguarding team is accessible to supply support and advice.