Priest dubbed the 'fat vicar' faces jail over historical sex abuse

A Catholic priest dubbed the "fat vicar" is facing jail after he was found guilty of sexually abusing a teenage boy at a children's home.

Father Anthony McSweeney, 68, preyed on the vulnerable youngster while working at Grafton Close Children's Home in Hounslow, west London, between 1979 and 1981.

McSweeney was also found guilty of making indecent images of children.

He preyed on the boy with his close friend John Stingemore, 72, who managed the care home and was found dead in January - weeks before his trial.

McSweeney was cleared of three indecent assaults on two other boys at the care home and taking a pornographic photo of one of these boys.

The priest was once enlisted by TV cook Delia Smith to hold a special football service at Norwich City.

And he officiated at the 1990 wedding of boxing star Frank Bruno and his now ex-wife Laura.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Keith Braithwaite, from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: "McSweeney was an abuser who used his role in a position of trust.

"I would like to pay tribute to the courage of the victim in speaking out against McSweeney. I would also like to thank those witnesses who provided key evidence that ensured the court could hear what sort of man McSweeney really is."

McSweeney was released on bail and sentence was adjourned until March 27.