Priest on trial for child sex abuse at Hounslow children's home

The trial of a Catholic priest accusing of abusing young boys at a children's home in Hounslow has begun at Southwark Crown Court today.

Father Tony McSweeney denies sexually abusing youngsters at Grafton Close Children's home in Hanworth in the 70's & 80's

The prosecutor, Sarah Plaschkes QC alleges that on various occasions McSweeney took indecent photographs of teenage boys, and that in 1998 his cleaner found a video in his home. When he was arrested indecent images were found on his laptop.

The court heard the Priest was a friend of John Stingemore, the man in charge of Grafton Close, a residential home for vulnerable children at the time.

The prosecution allege McSweeney abused three boys at the home.

The jury also heard details of McSweeney's involvement with the Scouts, helping out at a week long event for cubs at Gilwell Park in Surrey.

It is claimed an incident in the shower block of the retreat was proof of McSweeney's interest in young boys.

Stingemore, was the co-accused in the case and would have been in dock with McSweeney, but died earlier this year.

The jury were shown a photograph of McSweeney at the home with young boys, and were told he was a regular visitor to the home and may even have been on the payroll for a time.

During the trial the jury will hear from several witnesses who were resident in the home at the time.

McSweeney, who faces 8 counts, denies all the charges