Clive McCleester church abuse claims
Award-winning abuse lawyer Elizabeth Duncan recently spoke to the BBC about the Church of England announcement of a planned redress scheme for the survivors of abuse and the Church’s hope that it will represent a meaningful and holistic means of resolution for survivors. You can read more here https://www.sleeblackwell.co.uk/legal-articles/church-of-england-abuse
Whilst details of the redress scheme are still awaited, sexual abuse in the Church of England is once again in the news with Clive McCleester, the former Queen’s verger at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle and former Winchester Cathedral churchman pleading guilty to a string of horrific offences against children. McCleester exploited his position to abuse boys in his care. They have suffered lifelong mental health struggles from carrying a burden of misplaced guilt and shame.
McCleester maintained his innocence throughout a long and painstaking police investigation only pleading guilty at the last minute. This meant that those who had endured abuse at his hands had the prospect of cross examination in court hanging over them for years.
Sadly one of his victims, abused as a teenage boy, will never see justice as he passed away before the guilty plea.
McCleester is about to be sentenced and is likely to spend the rest of his life in prison.
Elizabeth Duncan represents survivors of church abuse in civil actions for compensation. While a civil claim cannot turn back the clock it can give access to funds to enable private medical treatment and counselling which will help survivors move on with their lives.
Elizabeth is passionate about giving her clients as much agency with a civil claim as possible, recognising that they can feel quite powerless in the criminal proceedings. She says, “A civil claim for compensation is often a means by which people can achieve a further element of closure as they are at the centre of the process and have recognition of the impact on their lives and how this can be healed.”
If you have suffered abuse at the hands of a religious leader such as Clive McCleester, contact Elizabeth to discuss your options in confidence. Call us free on 0333 888 0404 or get in touch by email at [email protected]
