HALEY DOSSOR SHOCKS FELIXSTOWE AND IPSWICH WITH SEX ABUSE SCANDAL

In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Felixstowe, Hadleigh, and Ipswich, retired Anglican priest Haley Dossor has been convicted and sentenced for sexually abusing teenage boys during the early 1990s and early 2000s. The 71-year-old, who once served as a prominent figure within the local church community, admitted to six counts of indecent assault involving two young boys aged as young as 13. Although he acknowledged abusing a third boy on multiple occasions—estimated at 15 to 20 times—he was not formally charged for these additional incidents.r>

These heinous acts took place while Dossor was working at St. Mary’s Church in Hadleigh, Suffolk, a position he held during the early 1990s. At that time, he was known for his involvement in youth activities, notably running a youth group at the church. Prosecutor Charles Myatt described Dossor as having a “touchy-feely” nature, which often crossed appropriate boundaries. It was also revealed that Dossor had previously served as a district scout leader, a role that further contributed to the trust placed in him by parents and the community.r>

Victims recounted that Dossor would put his hand down their trousers and groped them on numerous occasions, actions that left lasting scars. The court heard that Dossor’s tactile behavior was often perceived as affectionate, but it frequently escalated into abuse. The victims, some of whom were as young as 13, reported feeling uncomfortable but were unable to report the abuse immediately, partly because Dossor was highly respected in the community. One victim explained that he only felt able to come forward later in life, after being told by a friend that “that’s just what Haley does.”r>

Judge Mark Lucraft sentenced Dossor to one year and ten months in prison, emphasizing the breach of trust involved in his crimes. The judge stated, “You sexually abused these teenage boys who were committed to your care for recreation and education. As a clergyman, you were in a position where people looked up to you and trusted you. Parents trusted you with the care of their children.” In addition to the prison sentence, Dossor was issued a sexual offences prevention order that will last for five years and was placed on the sex offenders’ register.r>

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that some of the charges were specimen counts, indicating that many more assaults likely occurred beyond those formally charged. Dossor’s defense argued that he was going through a “very stressful” period at the time, as he was adjusting to his role as a priest. His lawyer also stated that he has lived an “unblemished life” since the incidents.r>

Attending the court with his wife of 46 years, Dossor was ordained in 1991. After his tenure at Hadleigh, he served as the priest in charge of St. Mary at the Elms in Ipswich from 2001 until his retirement in 2007. During his time in Ipswich, he was involved in community efforts, including helping residents cope with the murders of five sex workers by Steve Wright, and he even gave media interviews about the tragic events. Dossor resigned from his priestly duties in 2009 when allegations of abuse first surfaced.r>

In October 2012, further details emerged about Dossor’s misconduct, with reports confirming his guilty plea to six counts of indecent assault against boys aged 13 to 17. The abuse was said to have occurred over a span from 1990 to 2004. He was scheduled for sentencing after November 12, with the court warning that he could face imprisonment. Dossor denied nine additional charges, but the Crown Prosecution Service announced that they would not pursue those counts.r>

The Bishop of St Edmundsbury, the Right Reverend Nigel Stock, issued a statement condemning the betrayal of trust by Dossor. He emphasized that clergy are entrusted with a sacred responsibility, and when that trust is broken, it causes profound pain, especially for the victims. The bishop also highlighted that the church has implemented high safeguarding standards and expressed sincere apologies for the harm caused, acknowledging that these events, though long past, have left a lasting impact on the community.