PETER HOOPER FROM BEBINGTON SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES IN WIRRAL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Bebington and the wider Wirral area, Father Peter Hooper, a priest associated with St Luke’s Church in Bebington, has been convicted of multiple serious sexual offenses involving a minor. The incident, which has garnered significant media attention, highlights the grave breach of trust and the disturbing nature of the crimes committed by the 55-year-old clergyman.

Father Peter Hooper, who was ordained at St Luke’s Church in 2006, pleaded guilty to a total of ten counts related to sexual activities with a teenage boy. The charges include engaging in sexual acts with the minor, who was aged 14 and 15 at the time, as well as inciting him to participate in such acts. These offenses reportedly took place over a period of approximately six months, culminating on May 5 of the year 2012.

The allegations specify that the misconduct occurred at the St Luke the Physician diocese house located on Church Road in Bebington. This location is known for hosting regular masses in a small chapel, making the setting particularly troubling given its role as a place of worship and community gathering. The victim, whose identity remains protected, was a young teenager during the period of the offenses.

At Liverpool Crown Court, Judge David Aubrey, QC, presided over the case. The judge made it clear that the nature of the crimes was extremely serious, warning Hooper that a custodial sentence was inevitable. He acknowledged Hooper’s early guilty plea, which would result in a reduction of his sentence by a third, but emphasized that the gravity of the offenses warranted a significant prison term.

Hooper, who was dressed in a grey sweatshirt and dark trousers during the hearing, was remanded in custody at HMP Liverpool. The court adjourned sentencing until June 15 to allow for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. The priest, who was born in Shrewsbury, has no fixed address at present and remains in detention pending sentencing.

His parish responsibilities extended across several districts, including Lower Bebington, Spital, Poulton Lancelyn, Clatterbridge, Thornton Hough, and Brimstage. Prior to his appointment at St Luke’s, he served at St Werburgh’s in Chester. Additionally, Hooper was involved in educational and community activities, acting as a governor at Christ The King primary school in Bromborough and St John’s junior school in New Ferry. He also assisted with chaplaincy duties at St John Plessington Catholic College in Bebington.

Following his arrest, the Bishop of Shrewsbury, Mark Davies, was dispatched to St Luke’s parish to lead mass and address the congregation. In a formal statement, Bishop Davies condemned Hooper’s actions, describing them as a “terrible betrayal of the young and of the priesthood itself.” He reaffirmed the Church’s stance that such criminal conduct is unacceptable and emphasized that there is no place for individuals who commit such crimes within the priesthood. The case has left a lasting impact on the community, raising questions about safeguarding and the responsibilities of religious leaders in protecting their congregations.