Police to Re-examine Case Following Vicar’s Lifetime Ban

Detectives are preparing to engage with the Church of England after a vicar was removed from his position due to sexual abuse allegations. David Tudor, who served as team rector for the parish of Canvey in Essex, received a lifetime ban from church authorities on October 28. Previously, Surrey Police had indicated that it investigated “non-recent indecent assault offences” against a man in his 60s from Canvey Island. However, the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring the case to court. The force now states it will review the case in light of the tribunal’s outcome, a development initially reported by the Southend Echo. A spokeswoman for Surrey Police commented: “The case currently remains closed, but we will be contacting the Church of England to discuss the finding of their tribunal and any new information or disclosures that may have been made to them.” She further added: “Anything new will be reviewed alongside material we already hold to ascertain if the case should be further investigated.” The panel heard that Tudor had engaged in sexual relationships with two girls – including one under the age of 16 – between 1982 and 1989. The tribunal determined that his conduct – which occurred in Reigate, Surrey, when he was a priest in the Diocese of Southwark – constituted “an abuse of trust” and amounted to grooming. Earlier this month, the Bishop of Chelmsford informed the BBC that lessons “must be learned” as a result of the case. The Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Deqhani welcomed the decision to ban him for life, adding: “I am deeply sorry for the profound hurt and harm David Tudor’s behaviour has caused.” Information regarding Essex news is available on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external sites. Details on its approach to external linking are provided.