Fr James Callaghan OSB, a priest and monk of Ampleforth Abbey, was today sentenced at Durham Crown Court following a conviction in relation to charges of indecent assault dating back to a period between 1993-1997, and of sexual assault in 2013. He was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment. We pray that his victims feel that truth has prevailed and that justice has been done.
The monastic community and Ampleforth Abbey Trust are deeply sorry for the hurt that he has caused to his victims, their families and the wider community, and acknowledges the gravity of the abuse he inflicted.
The community would also like to acknowledge the courage and confidence demonstrated by the victims in coming forward and reporting the abuse they had suffered. It is hoped that the sentence handed down today may help in closing a dark chapter of suffering.
Ampleforth Abbey Trust cooperated fully with the police and statutory authorities throughout this investigation and would also like to record its gratitude to the police and the statutory authorities for the professionalism and sensitivity with which they have pursued this case.
We are resolutely committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all those who come to visit the Abbey site and come into contact with the monastic community and our lay staff.
Once again, we offer a heartfelt apology to all those who have experienced abuse in the past by monks, staff or volunteers of Ampleforth Abbey.
If anyone has any concerns of a safeguarding nature about Ampleforth Abbey and its works, they are asked to contact the statutory authorities or the Trust’s Director of Safeguarding and Wellbeing. Contact details, further information on our safeguarding policies, and victim support are available at: https://www.ampleforthabbey.org.uk/safeguarding
Robert Igo OSB
Abbot of Ampleforth
