JOHN ROBERTS ABUSE SCANDAL IN WOOLTON: CHURCH COVER-UP AND FAILURE TO PROTECT CHILDREN

In September 2017, shocking revelations emerged regarding Reverend John Roberts, a clergy member associated with the historic 'Beatles church' in Woolton, Liverpool. Roberts, who was once a respected figure at St Peter’s Church, became the subject of intense scrutiny after it was revealed that he had a criminal history involving the abuse of a young choirboy.

Back in 1989, Roberts was convicted of two counts of indecent assault against a 15-year-old boy. Despite the severity of his crimes, he was fined only £500 and allowed to continue his clerical duties. Instead of facing immediate dismissal or defrocking, Roberts remained in his position for nearly a quarter of a century. His career within the church culminated in his promotion to the rank of Canon, a senior ecclesiastical title, before he eventually retired in 2013.

The victim, now in his 40s, has taken legal action against the Church of England, seeking justice for the personal injuries inflicted during his childhood. He expressed his outrage at the church’s handling of the case, stating, “It’s disgusting that Roberts was convicted of indecently assaulting me yet was allowed not only to carry on as vicar and then get promoted to Canon. While my life fell apart as a result of what he did to me, he was allowed to continue in the church and even advance in his career. It’s also worrying, as what safeguarding was in place for other vulnerable children against this paedophile? It’s diabolical.”

For legal reasons, the victim cannot be named publicly. However, he has been granted core participant status in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which is investigating institutional failures to protect victims of abuse. His lawyers highlighted the profound impact of the abuse, emphasizing the betrayal of trust and the long-lasting scars inflicted upon him.

Richard Scorer, a specialist abuse lawyer at Slater and Gordon representing the victim, commented, “My client was put through a traumatic ordeal by a man he trusted and believed cared for him. The scars of that abuse have deeply affected his life. It is an utter disgrace and completely incomprehensible that once convicted of abusing a child, Roberts was allowed to continue working as a vicar. Questions need to be answered as to how this scandal was allowed to happen.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral acknowledged Roberts’ conviction but clarified that he no longer has permission to officiate church services. The statement read, “John Roberts has not got permission from the Bishop of Liverpool to officiate at any church service. He cannot conduct the duties of a priest.”

The victim, who was adopted as a young teenager, met Roberts through the church’s youth activities at St Peter’s, a site rich in musical and cultural history. The church is notably associated with the Beatles, as Eleanor Rigby, the figure immortalized in the famous song, is buried there, and a plaque commemorates the historic meeting between John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

He recounted how Roberts gained his trust by showering him with gifts, assisting him in transferring to a better school, and even paying for a ski trip. The victim described the traumatic experience of being abused, recalling, “I was at the St Peter’s Church Youth Club, where John Lennon played, when he took me into a separate building and abused me. I was so confused and shocked. I was wondering what I had done wrong to deserve this. I thought ‘did I owe him that?’ He got me into a new school and paid for me to go on a skiing trip. I guess that was for him to do what he wanted to me.”

Authorities were eventually alerted after the victim confided in another adult, leading to Roberts’ arrest and subsequent conviction. The victim expressed his feelings of betrayal, stating, “This man, with his manipulative ways, was able to play God with my life. I was let down by all of those who were supposed to care for me, and this man abused his power and me for his pleasure. I thought he was there to help me, but it became clear he was there to satisfy his own desires. He led me to believe he cared for me, but all he did was abuse his position.”

He questioned how Roberts was able to continue his life unimpeded, noting, “How was he able to just carry on with his life, and why wasn’t he defrocked? Instead, the church gave him additional responsibilities. While his life improved after his crimes, I lost everything. It was difficult for years to find and keep a job because of the psychological scars he left me with. This man was a paedophile, yet the church just let him carry on.”