Church denies cover-up

3:23pm Tuesday 14th August 2007

CHESHAM Methodist Church says it only learnt of the new child abuse allegations facing Richard Webb last year, after he was given police bail.

The church, in Bellingdon Road, Chesham, was criticised by judge Seddon Cripps on Friday for not reporting the allegations to the police when it knew of them.

But the church has denied any cover-up and says it was only aware of Webb's previous convictions for which he left prison in 1975. It said it only learnt of the new offences last year when Webb was investigated by police and given bail.

Anna Drew, spokesman, said the church had previously made an informal contract with Webb shortly after he joined in 1975.

This was to stop him having any direct contact with children and also allowed for the entire church membership to know of his previous convictions. A formal contract was drawn up at a later stage.

She said: "Members of the church were aware of Richard's past and had a responsibility to be vigilant."

Meanwhile, a senior figure at the church said reporting abuse was a priority.

Preben Andersen, superintendent minister for the Amersham Methodist Circuit, which includes Chesham, said: "It is a priority for each of us to prevent harm to children and young people and to report any abuse discovered or suspicious.

"The church has offered its full cooperation to the authorities throughout the investigation of the offences. The church has offered support to all those involved in this matter."

He added: "The Methodist church always regrets any circumstances in which children and young people have been abused.

"We share the hurt and distress that has been caused to those affected by the actions for which Richard Webb has been convicted."

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