VICAR SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILD WITH THE WOMAN HE WAS HAVING AFFAIR WITH
A disturbing case of child sexual abuse has emerged from Cheshire, involving a recently convicted vicar and a woman with whom he was engaged in an illicit affair.Stephen Clapham, aged 61, who served as a vicar at All Saints Church in Crewe and later in Church Lawton, was found guilty of heinous crimes committed against a vulnerable child.
His accomplice and lover, Sally Shaw, aged 52, also from Crewe, played a significant role in the abuse.
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Clapham and Shaw embarked on their inappropriate relationship back in 2016.
At that time, Clapham was serving as the vicar at All Saints Church in Crewe.
The affair persisted even after he transferred his clerical duties to All Saints in Church Lawton.
During this period, the pair engaged in sexual acts in the presence of the child, and shockingly, they also encouraged the young victim to participate in their sexual activity.
This conduct not only involved physical abuse but also extended to the creation and distribution of indecent photographs of the child, which Shaw took and then shared with Clapham.
The abuse came to light when the victim disclosed details of their ordeal to school staff, sparking an official investigation that eventually led to the arrest of both Clapham and Shaw in 2021.
During police interviews, Clapham largely refused to comment outside of mentioning the existence of indecent photographs, showing a lack of remorse.
In contrast, Shaw admitted her involvement fully, providing detailed confessions about her role in the abuse.
Both individuals pleaded guilty to the charges against them.
Their sentencing took place on April 20, where they each received a prison sentence of four years.
In addition to their custodial sentences, both Clapham and Shaw will remain on the sex offenders register for the rest of their lives, reflecting the gravity of their crimes.
Furthermore, the court imposed a Sexual Harm Prevention Order that will be lifelong, restricting their potential contact with children and preventing any further risk to public safety.
Restraining orders were also issued to safeguard the victim, prohibiting contact between the offenders and the complainant.
The Diocese of Chester responded to the unfolding scandal with a statement clarifying that the Reverend Stephen Clapham was suspended from all his church duties immediately after the allegations surfaced in October 2021.
Clapham eventually resigned from his positions, which included his role as Vicar of All Saints’ Church in Church Lawton, as well as duties as Rural Dean of Congleton and Diocesan Ecumenical Officer.
Sarah Egan, a senior Crown Prosecutor, emphasised the betrayal of trust involved in the case, given Clapham’s position within the community.
She stated, “Clapham was a vicar and held a position of trust and authority in the local community.
He has abused that trust.
These two people have put their own warped sexual interests above the welfare of the victim.
This behaviour is completely inexcusable, but they have now been brought to justice.” Egan also expressed hope that the guilty pleas would spare the victim the trauma of a trial and acknowledged the strength and courage it took for the victim to come forward.
The prosecutor thanked law enforcement, witnesses, and prosecutors involved in the case, reaffirming the seriousness with which such offences are treated.
Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Mark Tanner, conveyed his remorse and concern, expressing deep shame and anger over the betrayal and harm caused by Clapham’s actions.
He highlighted the importance of safeguarding and the church’s commitment to promptly addressing any form of abuse within its community.
The bishop assured that the Diocese of Chester remains dedicated to maintaining a culture of vigilance, transparency, and swift action.
Cheshire Police Detective Constable Laura Bradshaw praised the victim’s bravery and emphasized that Clapham exploited his role of trust to commit these serious crimes.
She reinforced that the successful conviction should encourage other victims to come forward, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
Bradshaw stressed that law enforcement listens and supports survivors, whether through court proceedings or through connecting them with appropriate support services.
The profound impact of this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding measures and the ongoing fight against abuse, even within institutions that are supposed to embody trust and moral integrity.
