Monk fled country after child abuse allegations

A former monk claims he fled the country after he was accused of abusing children at a Catholic school in Ealing because he feared being “ruined” by false allegations, a court heard.

Andrew Soper, 74, former abbot of Ealing Abbey, told jurors he fled to Kosovo out of “cowardice and stupidity”. While on police bail over accusations dating back to the 1970s and 80s, Soper went on the run in Kosovo – but was extradited back to England to face trial at the Old Bailey.

He denies 19 offences of indecent assault, indecency with a child, and buggery allegedly committed against 10 boys.