JOHN KINSEY SHAMES BELMONT ABBEY IN HEREFORDSHIRE WITH SEX ABUSE SCANDAL

In April 2004, a disturbing case of sexual abuse involving John Kinsey, a former novice monk at Belmont Abbey in Herefordshire, came to light, revealing a dark chapter in the history of the religious institution. Kinsey was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison for the indecent assault of three young boys, a revelation that has shocked the local community and raised serious questions about the oversight at Belmont Abbey.

One of the victims, now a 32-year-old computer programmer from Hereford, publicly demanded an apology from the Abbey, accusing it of allowing Kinsey to continue his predatory behavior despite knowing about his misconduct. The victim recounted his traumatic experience, explaining that he first joined the Abbey for his sixth-form education and quickly encountered Brother John, whom he initially believed to be kind and friendly.

However, the victim soon realized that Kinsey favored certain boys, including himself, often giving them chocolates and treats, which in the context of a boarding school, served as a form of manipulation and control. The abuse began in the spring term of 1987, marking the start of a series of weekly assaults that persisted until the victim left the Abbey at age 19.

The ordeal had a profound impact on the young boy, who struggled academically, failing his A-levels at the Abbey and having to re-sit them the following year. During this period, Kinsey had left for Rome University to study theology, further complicating the victim’s feelings of betrayal and helplessness. As the victim approached his return to Rome, he confided in a fellow monk about his suffering, but no action was taken by the Abbey authorities.

Eventually, the victim confronted Kinsey directly before his departure, revealing that he knew about the abuse and that there were other victims. Kinsey responded by admitting to the abuse, claiming it was a mistake, and offered the victim £400 along with an invitation to visit his parents’ home in Cardiff. This was the last contact the victim had with Kinsey until he returned to the Abbey in 1993 to confront him again.

During this second confrontation, the victim expressed anger upon discovering that Kinsey had been ordained as a Catholic priest despite the knowledge of his past misconduct. Kinsey allegedly apologized twice, claiming remorse and forgiveness, but the victim admitted that the anger and betrayal still lingered.

The victim eventually reported the abuse to the police in September 2001, following advice from his counselor. About six months later, he learned that two other former students had come forward with similar allegations against Kinsey. The case culminated in a court hearing at Worcester Crown Court, where Kinsey, aged 46 at the time, was found guilty of seven counts of indecent assault and sentenced to five years in prison.

Judge Andrew Geddes delivered a stern verdict, emphasizing the breach of trust inherent in Kinsey’s position as a priest and monk. He stated, “You were a Roman Catholic priest and an initiate monk and, as such, had access to the boys. You know that you should have been someone the boys could trust absolutely. Instead, you abused that trust and indecently assaulted three boys aged between 14 and 16. The damage you have done to them is incalculable.”

Following the sentencing, the victim indicated his intention to pursue compensation from the Catholic Church, criticizing Belmont Abbey’s handling of the situation. He accused the Abbey of lacking compassion, charity, and empathy in their response to the abuse allegations.

In response, a spokesperson for Belmont Abbey issued a statement expressing hope that the appeal process would be swift and just, and noting that they were currently unable to comment further on the case. The scandal has cast a long shadow over the Abbey and has prompted calls for greater accountability and safeguarding measures within religious institutions.