Abuse allegation priest took own life – inquest
AROMAN Catholic priest took his own life four days after police told him they were investigating an historic allegation made against him, an inquest heard.
Canon Michael McCoy, who was a priest at St Mary’s Cathedral in Newcastle, was visited by officers on April 6 last year.
They told him that a “non-recent allegation” had been made against him and the case was to be investigated. At that stage, the complainant was yet to provide a full account to Northumbria Police.
We revealed last year that prior to Canon McCoy’s death he was being investigated by police following allegations of historic child sex abuse. It is understood the police investigation was only in its early stages when Canon McCoy was found dead at a property in Newcastle.
Northumbria Police confirmed at the time that Canon McCoy was not interviewed or arrested by officers in relation to the alleged abuse.
Newcastle Coroner’s Court heard that Canon McCoy was informed he would be invited for a voluntary interview in due course. However, on April 10, the 57-yearold was found hanged in an apartment on City Road, in Newcastle.
A toxicology report found alcohol in his system, which was one and a half times the legal drink drive limit, as well as “higher than therapeutic levels” of prescribed medication.
However, a pathologist said that these did not cause or contribute to his death, and would not have impaired his ability to make decisions. It was also said Canon McCoy had a history of anxiety disorder but no previous history of self-harm.
The inquest heard that, after he was told of the historic allegation, both Northumbria Police and a diocesan safeguarding representative carried out risk assessments, which did not find any indications of self-harm and found he had support from family and friends.
Det Sgt Julie Beattie explained that police received a report of the allegation on April 3 last year. The next day, the complainant was contacted and a brief account was obtained.
Officers then visited Canon McCoy at the church on April 6 and informed him of the allegation against him. Det Sgt Beattie said Canon McCoy was upset but did not express any concerns for himself and said he had support from friends. There were no concerns for his physical or mental wellbeing.
“It was explained that it was a non-recent allegation,” said Det Sgt Beattie. “The complainant had yet to provide a full account. At some stage in the future, he would be invited for a voluntary interview. He would not be arrested, it was based on a voluntary basis.”
Angela Richardson, who was a safeguarding co-ordinator with the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, told the inquest she had been in contact with Canon McCoy in the days following the police visit, explaining protocols and procedures, and carrying out a risk assessment.
They also talked about alternative accommodation. Canon McCoy had moved into an Airbnb apartment but was wanting to find another place to live.
There were options to go into hotel accommodation or going to the cathedral in the interim but he preferred to stay at the Airbnb at that time, said Ms Richardson.
Following his death, an investigation was carried out to ensure the actions of the diocese were in accordance with policies and protocols. It found that the steps taken were in accordance with both.
Coroner Karen Dilks concluded Canon McCoy had taken his own life and gave a ruling of suicide.
She said: “On the balance of probabilities, my conclusion is that Michael McCoy intentionally hanged himself.”
Before taking up his role at St Mary’s, Canon McCoy was a priest in parishes across Sunderland including St Anne’s in Pennywell, St Joseph’s in Millfield and St Benet’s in Monkwearmouth.