Ex-vicar in court over indecent pics
A FORMER vicar has walked free from court after admitting possession of indecent images of children.
Thomas Donaghey, who resigned as vicar of Baxenden St John earlier this year, was sentenced at Burnley Crown Court on Tuesday, August 31.
He had earlier pleaded guilty at magistrates court to three counts of making indecent images of children, and one of possessing extreme pornographic images.
The 54-year-old was handed a two-year community order, with 40 rehabilitation days, fined £100, and must serve a five-year sexual harm prevention order.
Disgraced Donaghey, now of Burnley, was suspended from his position in November 2020 after being arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images. He was arrested at his home after a search by police and released on bail until December 2. He now holds no position within the Church.
In a statement The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, said: “The Diocese is dismayed and deeply saddened that one of our clergy has fallen so far short of the standards expected by the Church in this way.
“The Diocese strives to uphold the highest standards in safeguarding policy, training, practice and disciplinary action at all times and actions such as those described during the court case have no place in The Church of England. Our safeguarding team was notified when Tom Donaghey was arrested and I immediately suspended him from all ministry duties. Donaghey subsequently resigned as Vicar of Baxenden St John and now holds no role in the Church.
“Following sentencing a Church investigation into his conduct under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) will still take place.
We have been informed the images involved were downloaded from the internet and do not involve any children Donaghey was in contact with in his role as a Vicar.
“The online abuse of children destroys childhoods and devastates society. It is not tolerated by the church.
“We are providing pastoral support where required and are keeping all those affected by the situation in our prayers.”