Dean offers sympathy and concern to victim of vicar’s sexual assault
THE Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev. Tim Barker, has expressed sympathy and concern for the victim of a sexual assault by former St Stephen’s Church vicar Father John Moore.
He said he would also be offering support to the church’s congregation.
‘I am deeply saddened that Father John Moore has been found guilty of a serious assault,’ said Mr Barker.
‘I extend my sympathy and my concern to the victim of this crime and his family.’
Moore served as vicar of St Stephen’s from 2015 until November, when he was suspended from the ministry, and formerly was a vice-dean.
‘I will be offering support to both the church officers and the congregation,’ said Mr Barker.
‘I know the details of this crime will be very shocking to them.
‘When I became aware of the accusations against John Moore in early November last year, I informed the Bishop, who immediately suspended him from all ministerial duties.’
After being suspended, the former vicar moved to France but returned for his trial.
‘John Moore retired earlier this year and has left Guernsey,’ said Mr Barker.
Moore was found guilty in the Magistrate’s Court of indecently assaulting an 18-year-old man in the public toilet at Grandes Rocques.
He had pleaded not guilty.
He was sentenced to a five-year notification sexual offences order, fined £1,000 and ordered to pay £500 compensation to the victim.
The sentence reflected his previous good character and age – he is 67 – said the judge.
An open letter from Mr Barker about the case will be published in tomorrow's Guernsey Press.
