Allegations of sexual abuse against a priest were brought to the attention of senior church officials a staggering 17 years before the incident was reported to the police, a recent report has revealed. The case involves Anthony Pierce, who served as the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon between 1999 and 2008, and has pleaded guilty to five charges of indecently assaulting a boy under the age of 16. The offences are said to have taken place in the 1980s when Pierce was a parish priest in the West Cross area.
The delay in reporting the allegations to the authorities meant that South Wales Police were unable to carry out an investigation, as tragically, the victim had passed away in 2010. Despite the internal investigation carried out by the Church in Wales uncovering evidence of additional allegations against Pierce dating back to 1993, these were not disclosed to the police until 2010. Pierce, now 84, resides in Coed Ceirios, Swansea Vale, and is awaiting sentencing on March 7 after being granted bail following his guilty plea at Swansea Crown Court.
The Church in Wales has announced that an independent review is now underway to examine a separate instance of alleged misconduct by Pierce in the early 1990s. The review will also assess the handling of the allegations against him, including periods when his permission to officiate was revoked and reinstated between 2011 and 2016. Additionally, the Church intends to evaluate existing procedures surrounding misconduct allegations to determine if any revisions are required to safeguard against similar occurrences in the future.
In light of these revelations, Pierce’s accolades and previous recognitions are being scrutinised. Notably, he was conferred as a commander of the order of St John in 2002 for his charitable endeavours in healthcare settings. However, questions have been raised regarding his honorary fellowship awarded by Swansea University in 2011, with ongoing discussions to reassess this prestigious recognition. The Church of Wales has assured that the review process will include a thorough examination of Pierce’s conduct and the handling of allegations against him in the past.
South Wales Police expressed regret that the victim’s passing in 2010 has impeded progress in investigating the case. The police emphasised that without the victim’s testimony, the investigation could not move forward, highlighting the challenges faced when allegations of abuse are reported years after the incidents occurred. The lapse in reporting such serious allegations has prompted a wider conversation about the responsibility of institutions to promptly address and escalate misconduct claims to the appropriate authorities.
As the case unfolds and the repercussions reverberate throughout the community, calls for transparency, accountability, and swift action are resonating. The gravity of the situation underscores the importance of robust safeguarding protocols within organisations to ensure the timely reporting and investigation of allegations of abuse. The need for vigilance in protecting the vulnerable and preventing future occurrences of abuse is paramount, as the public looks to institutions to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.