SAMUEL PENNEY ABUSE SCANDAL IN BURTON: SURVIVOR SPEAKS OUT

A man who endured horrific abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest from the age of 11 has courageously come forward to share the profound and lasting trauma he has carried for decades. The survivor, Eamonn Flanagan, now aged 52 and residing in Australia, recounted that the abuse took place during the 1970s in Burton, where he was subjected to the misconduct of Father Samuel Penney.

Despite the priest’s conviction and the efforts made by the church to implement safeguarding measures, Mr. Flanagan criticized the institution for its inadequate support for victims. He revealed that it was only after a span of 22 years that the church finally paid a settlement exceeding £3,900, a delay that he described as deeply disappointing. The survivor urged others who have suffered similar experiences to come forward early, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and justice.

The church responded to the allegations by stating that it now actively addresses abuse claims and reports all such incidents to the police. However, Mr. Flanagan expressed his disillusionment with the church’s previous handling of abuse cases, highlighting how the failure to support victims has caused ongoing pain. He emphasized that the trauma inflicted by Father Samuel Penney has profoundly impacted his life, and he voiced his disappointment in the church’s past response, calling for greater accountability and support for survivors of abuse.