Sherborne
Child Sexual Abuser
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PRIEST JAILED FOR SEXUALLY ASSAULTING BOYS IN 1960S
A clergy member has been sentenced to six years in prison after being guilty of sexually abusing boys during the 1960s.
Timothy Biles, aged 89 and from Sherborne, was convicted at Bournemouth Crown Court on five counts of indecent assault.
The incidents occurred at St Francis School in Hooke, near Beaminster a school that has since closed.
Biles, who retired in 2000, continued to conduct and preach at church services and was active in ministry within west Dorset.
In 2020, he was awarded an MBE by the Queen.
Following a police investigation, his authority to officiate was revoked.
The Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Stephen Lake, described the abuse as "appalling" and stated it had led to a substantial prison sentence.
He is also pursuing the removal of Biles' MBE.
The Diocese of Salisbury expressed shock and gratitude to victims who came forward, encouraging others with concerns to report to authorities or support groups.
The case has brought sadness to the church community, alongside frustration amid recent leadership resignations.
Court Outcome
Conviction and Sentencing Details
Sentenced
Detected legal outcome
A clergy member has been sentenced to six years in prison after being guilty of sexually abusing boys during the 1960s. Timothy Biles, aged 89 and from Sherborne, was convicted at Bournemouth Crown Court on five counts of indecent assaul...
Prison sentence
six years
A clergy member has been sentenced to six years in prison after being guilty of sexually abusing boys during the 1960s
