A WIRRAL priest has been charged with sexual offences against a teenage boy.
Peter Hooper, of Church Road, Bebington, appeared at Wirral Magistrates, charged with three counts of sexual activity with a child.
The 54-year-old, who is a priest at St Luke’s in Bebington, faced the Wirral bench on May 9 and is due back in court on May 23.
A police spokesman confirmed that he was remanded in custody until his next appearance.
A spokeswoman for the Diocese of Shrewsbury said: “The Diocese of Shrewsbury can confirm that a priest within the diocese has been charged in connection with offences against a minor.
“The priest has been withdrawn from all ministry in line with procedures.
“The diocese is co-operating fully with the statutory agencies involved and is totally committed and in compliance with all the appropriate safeguarding requirements.
“The diocese is unable to comment further at this time for legal reasons.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article