On Friday 18th December 2020 the Revd John Roberts was convicted at Liverpool Crown Court of a number of non-current safeguarding-related offenses.
Following the conviction, the Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Paul Bayes, has issued the following statement on behalf of the Diocese of Liverpool.
“John Roberts has been found guilty of all charges against him and has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment, Any case like this causes very great pain and distress to very many people. Most importantly I want to pay tribute to the victims and survivors for their courage in coming forward and bringing this matter to justice, at great personal cost.
I, and the Diocese of Liverpool, take any safeguarding matter very seriously indeed. Churches must be safe places for all, and I want to encourage anyone who has concerns about the past or current behaviour of individuals or the church to raise them as we will listen and we will act. We are determined to support survivors and see justice carried out towards any offenders.
I recognise that this verdict will bring out a range of emotions amongst clergy and congregations across our diocese. There will be churches and individuals that need healing. Again, I encourage people to come forward and speak to their Archdeacon, Bishop Beverley or myself. We are here to listen and to do all we can to help."
Our support for survivors
We take all reports and allegations seriously and if you or anyone you are in contact with are affected by this and want to talk to someone independently please call the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or email safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk. There are other support services available.
You could also contact the diocesan safeguarding advisor at icatriona.richardson@liverpool.anglican.org
For more information about safeguarding in the Diocese of Liverpool go to www.liverpool.anglican.org/safeguarding