FATHER JOHN COGHLAN FROM RUISLIP MANOR: SHOCKING REVELATIONS ABOUT PAEDOPHILE PRIEST STILL IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH NEAR LONDON

In a disturbing case that continues to cast a shadow over the Catholic Church, it has been revealed that Father John Coghlan, a priest once based in Ruislip Manor, remains officially listed as a member of the clergy despite his criminal conviction and imprisonment.

According to investigations conducted by Channel 4 News, at least nine out of twenty-two priests who have been convicted of abuse are still officially recognized in the 2010 Catholic directory as active clergy members. Out of these, only eight have been formally dismissed from their ecclesiastical roles, leaving a troubling question about the church’s handling of such offenders.

Father John Coghlan, who was sentenced to serve time in prison in 2005, is a particularly notable figure in this ongoing controversy. Although he no longer actively ministers within the church, he remains listed as a priest and resides in church-owned property within the Diocese of Westminster, specifically in the Ruislip Manor area. This situation has raised serious concerns among victims and the wider community about accountability and transparency within the church hierarchy.

Back in March 2006, a victim of Father Coghlan’s abuse, Luke Holland, publicly spoke out about his ordeal. Holland, who was abused over forty years ago at Sacred Heart Church in Ruislip Manor, chose to waive his right to anonymity in hopes of encouraging other victims to come forward. He shared that he was subjected to abuse by Father Coghlan when he was just ten years old, with the misconduct occurring between 1961 and 1966.

Holland was convicted of five counts of indecency with a child and sentenced to 18 months in prison. His emotional response to the conviction was one of relief, stating, “I felt euphoria after he was convicted. It won’t give me back my life, but it is starting to help me.” He emphasized the importance of victims speaking out, saying, “It doesn’t matter how long ago it was, it is never too late. Why should you have to go to your grave with this?”

Holland, who served as a choir boy and altar boy, recounted that the abuse took place in Father Coghlan’s office and during Scout camp trips. He revealed that he kept his trauma hidden for many years, only confiding in someone nearly two years prior to his public statement. During that time, he described how he coped with the pain through substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol, to block out the memories.

The turning point came when his mother fell seriously ill, prompting Holland to seek help and confront his past. His breakdown at the hospital led to a heartfelt confession to his sister, which eventually resulted in police involvement. Holland expressed feelings of guilt, questioning whether he could have prevented the abuse had he spoken out earlier, but was reassured by law enforcement that he was a victim, not at fault.

Legal representatives, including Peter Garsden of Abney Garsden McDonald Solicitors, have called for further information regarding Father Coghlan’s activities. Garsden stated, “These incidents happened so long ago that we are anxious to contact anybody who remembers Father Coghlan. We are trying to piece together what happened, and any information will be useful to us.”

Individuals with relevant information are urged to contact Paul Durkin at the law firm, either by mail at 37 Station Road, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire, or via email at [email protected], or by phone at 0161 482 8822. The ongoing investigation underscores the need for transparency and justice in addressing past abuses and ensuring accountability within the church community.