Child sexual abuse independent inquiry: Archdiocese of Birmingham investigation

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Credit: ITV News Central

The independent inquiry, which is investigating how various institutions in Britain handled sex abuse claims, turns its attention to the Archdiocese of Birmingham this week.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster will be among those to give live evidence as the hearing will examine the cardinal's former Archdiocese of Birmingham, where he served as archbishop from 2000 to 2009.

Bernard Longley, the current archbishop, will also give evidence at a later date.

The Archbishop of Birmingham, Bernard Longley will give evidence at the inquiry Credit: PA images

The five day hearing, will investigate the cases of Fr Samuel Penney and Fr James Robinson, both of whom were convicted and jailed.

Mr Jacobs, who represents some of the complainants, told a preliminary hearing that the archdiocese had been selected due to "the disparate nature of the Catholic Church and its lack of structure, line management or ability to oversee child protection within its ranks".

The inquiry will examine "the failure of those at the top of the church either to be able or willing to exercise any form of control or even refer allegations made to them directly to the relevant body," he added.

On the Archdiocese of Birmingham website, they comment on their involvement in the national inquiry.

The timetable of the inquiry

Day one - Monday 12th November

Opening statement

  • Counsel to the inquiry

  • Representatives for Core participants

Witness evidence

  • RC-A15 (A56) - Re: Case study of Samuel Penney

Day two - Tuesday 13th November

  • RC-A15’s mother

  • RC-A31 (C14) - Re: Case study of James Robinson

  • RC-A343 (A80) - Re: Case study of Fr. John Tolkien

  • RC-A491 (F48) - Read evidence

  • RC-A493 (F53) - Read evidence

  • RC-A1 (D2) - Read evidence

Day three - Wednesday 14th November

  • Jane Jones (call)

  • Colette Limbrick - Read evidence

  • Kevin Caffrey - Read evidence

Day four - Thursday 15th November

  • Eileen Shearer (call)

  • Adrian Child (call)

Day five - Friday 16th November

  • Archbishop Bernard Longley (call)

  • Closing submissions on behalf of core participants