PAUL COUCH FROM BUCKFAST ABBEY AND PLYMOUTH SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE

In August 2007, a former teacher at a now-closed boarding school in Devon was sentenced to serve over ten years in prison after being convicted of multiple serious sexual offences involving young boys. Paul Couch, aged 61 and residing on Wyndham Street West in Plymouth, was found guilty of 13 counts of sexual misconduct, including two counts of serious sexual assault and 11 counts of indecent assault. The crimes spanned over two decades, from 1972 to 1993, and took place at the school, which was associated with Buckfast Abbey and located in Devon.

During the trial at Exeter Crown Court, Couch, who was once a monk and held a position of significant trust within the religious community, denied all charges. The court heard that the victims were boys aged between eight and 13 years old. Judge Paul Darlow described Couch’s actions as a “gross breach of trust,” emphasizing the vulnerability of the children at the institution and condemning Couch’s betrayal of their innocence.

Judge Darlow stated, “You were in fact a predator, a sexual predator in that community-oriented monastic school,” highlighting the severity of Couch’s misconduct. The judge also pointed out that Couch was aware of the expectations and the moral responsibilities associated with his role as a priest, which he exploited for his own illicit purposes. The court was told that Couch attempted to dismiss the allegations by portraying the boys as liars, but the victims’ testimonies were deemed credible and truthful.

In his defense, barrister Nicholas Gerasimides argued that Couch’s offences were non-violent and that he posed a minimal risk of reoffending. He remarked that the convictions had effectively ended Couch’s life as he knew it, underscoring the profound impact of the case on the defendant.

Prosecutor Ian Fenny described Couch as a man with a “dark secret personality,” who found himself in a position of temptation within the school environment. The court was informed that Couch was involved in teaching religious studies and English, as well as participating in sports and extracurricular activities, which allowed him access to vulnerable children.

It was revealed that at the time of the abuse, many of the boys did not fully understand what was happening to them. Over the years, some victims confided in trusted individuals about their experiences. Notably, one former pupil reported the abuse to school authorities in 1987, but despite the internal inquiry, Couch remained in his position until the police became involved in 2004. The police investigation was triggered after a former pupil, who was then in prison, disclosed to a prison chaplain that he had been sexually abused by a staff member at the school.

Following the conviction, the school issued a statement expressing their shock and sadness over the crimes committed. They extended their sympathies to the victims and their families, emphasizing that many former pupils had positive memories of their time at the school. The school also confirmed that they had fully cooperated with law enforcement during the investigation.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to child protection. They explained that Father Couch was removed from all public ministry immediately after the allegations surfaced, in accordance with national child protection policies. Couch was officially incardinated into the Plymouth Diocese in 1995, and prior to that, the diocese was unaware of any misconduct. The Diocese reiterated its dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of children and young people, emphasizing their ongoing efforts to prevent such incidents in the future.