The former Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, Anthony Pierce, has been sentenced to simply over 4 years in prison after admitting sex offences against a young boy.
The crimes were committed within the Nineteen Eighties but only got here to light in 2023 when the victim told relations and informed safeguarding officers.
The victim, who was christened by Pierce as a baby, was subjected to the abuse during piano and organ lessons.
The prosecutor within the case, Dean Pulling, said, “They were alone together, the defendant was the family priest, his parents believed their son was secure with him.
“The victim described how the vicar’s behaviour became normalised, Pierce would attempt to kiss him while he touched him sexually. It would occur once a fortnight.
“It got here to light in 2023 when the victim told his brother and fogeys what had happened to him they usually went to a Church in Wales safeguarding officer.”
Pierce was also accused of a separate incident of sexual assault against one other boy in 1993, nevertheless the Church in Wales didn’t pass on the allegation to the police until 2010, by which period the alleged victim had already passed away.
In an impact statement, the surviving victim spoke of the long lasting effects the abuse had taken on his life.
“The biggest consequence has been my emotional development,” he said.
“To today I can remember feeling an amazing sense of embarrassment and shame.
“I turned to alcohol to dam out my emotions.
“It affected my education, profession, personal relationships and at times caused havoc in my personal life.
“Upon hearing that Tony had pleaded guilty I felt vindicated and feel I’ve been released from something that is had a hold of me over time.
“I do know he’s accountable for a fantastic deal of how my life has turned out.”
Pierce’s defence, Keith Edwards, said that the previous bishop, now 84, understood the enormity of his crimes and was remorseful. It was also stated that resulting from Pierce’s advanced age and health problems, he may die in prison.
Detective Inspector Sharon Gill-Lewis, of South Wales Police, said: “I commend the bravery of the victim in reporting Anthony Pierce’s actions, which was instrumental in helping bring him to justice.”
A spokesperson for the Church in Wales said that the sentence handed all the way down to Pierce “reflects the shocking nature of those offences and the gross breach of trust which they represent”.
“Anthony Pierce has abused his position, disgraced his church and, worst of all, has inflicted appalling and lasting trauma on his victim,” the spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim on this case, who has shown immense courage in reporting what are deeply painful experiences.
“We offer him probably the most heartfelt apology for what he has needed to endure.”
Anyone affected by the problems raised in this text can contact the Church in Wales safeguarding team or Safe Spaces, a free and independent support service, providing a confidential, personal and secure space for anyone who has been abused through their relationship with either the Church of England, the Catholic Church in England and Wales or the Church in Wales.
