EX-METHODIST REVEREND DENIES SEVEN COUNTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN COURT
A former reverend has appeared in court today (Monday), where he denied seven counts of sexual assault, as well as one count of indecent assault.Steven Wild, 70, who used to be leader of the Methodist Church in Cornwall, appeared at Truro Magistrates' Court to face the charges.
The sexual assault charges related to women in Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Derbyshire, and Merseyside, between 2004 and 2019.
Meanwhile, the indecent assault charge was against a woman in Cornwall in 2004.
Wild, from St Ives, pleaded not guilty to the offences.
He was released on court bail and is next due to appear at Truro Crown Court on October 17.
Wild was suspended from his role as district chairman for the Methodists Church in the Duchy and the Isles of Scilly in September 2021.
It was later announced that Mr Wild, who was the most senior figure in the Methodist Church, would not return to his job.
Devon and Cornwall Police have said: "Wild was postal requisitioned in connection with seven counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault.
This is an ongoing criminal case and as such we urge the public not to speculate as this risks prejudicing proceedings."
