Clergyman Imprisoned for Sexual Assaults on Boys in the 1960s

A clergyman has received a six-year custodial sentence for the sexual assault of boys during the 1960s. Timothy Biles, aged 89 and residing in Sherborne, was convicted at Bournemouth Crown Court on five charges of indecent assault. These crimes occurred at St Francis School in Hooke, situated close to Beaminster, a facility that is no longer operational. Biles ceased full-time work in 2000, yet retained the ability to conduct and deliver sermons at religious services, having served in the clergy in west Dorset. He was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2020. His authorization to perform clerical duties was revoked upon the commencement of the police inquiry. The Right Reverend Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury, stated that the “appalling” abuse had “rightly resulted in a significant custodial sentence”. He further indicated his intention to withdraw the Canon Emeritus honour and was “taking the necessary steps” to propose the revocation of the MBE as well, a decision that will ultimately rest with the Forfeiture Committee. He remarked: “I want to thank the victims and survivors for their bravery in coming forward. “I hope and pray the verdict and today’s sentence offers an opportunity to begin to heal from the trauma they have suffered.” The Salisbury Diocese expressed its “horrified” reaction upon learning of Biles’ crimes and wished to acknowledge the “courage of the victims and survivors who have come forward to support the prosecution”. It clarified that the transgressions occurred while he was employed as a staff member and served as school chaplain at the independent St Francis school. “We have provided every assistance to the police with their inquiries,” the Diocese affirmed. It added: “Our prayers are for the survivors. We urge anyone with a concern regarding abuse whether current or in the past, no matter how long ago, to contact the police.” The statement concluded: “Advice and support can also be obtained from the independent charity Safe Spaces or the diocesan safeguarding team.” The Reverend Canon David Baldwin, who serves as team rector for the Beaminster area, stated: “The Diocese was informed in 2022 that the police were investigating complaints against Tim and the full protocol over who should have been informed was followed – this included the Rector and Safeguarding Officer for Sherborne Abbey.” He mentioned that despite Biles’ authorization to officiate having been withdrawn, “he never informed me on the occasions that I invited him to take part in services in the Beaminster team”. He characterized the situation as “very difficult,” anticipating it would “cause great sadness for some and will allow others to vent their frustration and anger towards the church so soon after the resignation of The Archbishop of Canterbury”. Readers can find BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.