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Priest admits sexually assaulting seven children

An 85-year-old former Catholic priest today admitted sexually assaulting seven children, including altar boys, after spending more than 20 years on the run in Spain.

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Statement from Diocese of Nottingham on priest who sexually assaulted children

The Diocese of Nottingham... is pleased that he has taken responsibility for his terrible crimes and pleaded guilty to the 21 offences with which he was charged.

I would like to offer our sympathy to those who have been affected by this tragedy in any way and assure them that we will do whatever we can to support them. I also wish to thank Cullen’s victims for their bravery in coming forward after many years of silence; it is due to them that Cullen has pleaded guilty today.

The Catholic Church takes the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults extremely seriously, and it is our hope and expectation that no child or vulnerable adult should ever suffer at the hands of others.

– Father Andrew Cole, spokesman for the Diocese of Nottingham:

Former East Midlands priest admits sexually assaulting children

Francis Paul Cullen Credit: EPA

85-year-old Francis Paul Cullen, a former Catholic priest, today admitted sexually assaulting seven children, including altar boys, after spending more than 20 years on the run in Spain.

He was extradited back to the UK last year.

He pleaded guilty to 21 charges at Derby Crown Court committed between 1957 and 1991 in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. The offences related to children aged between six and 16.

He was told a "very substantial" prison sentence was likely.

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Priest facing child sex charges remanded in custody

A former Midland priest accused of committing 27 sexual offences against children dating back almost 50 years has been remanded in custody.

Father Francis Paul Cullen, aged 85, has been remanded in custody Credit: epa

Catholic priest Francis Paul Cullen, aged 85, had been living in Tenerife but was extradited over the charges and appeared at Derby Magistrates Court today.

The allegations, which relate to three boys between eight and 14, are dated between 1956 and 1991.

He served as a priest as the first priest in the parish of Christ the King, Mackworth estate, Derby, for around 18 years.

He was remanded in custody until his next hearing in September.

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85-year-old man charged with sex offences against children

An 85-year-old man has been charged with sexual offences against children. Francis Paul Cullen, who has been living in Tenerife, appeared at Derby magistrates court today. He faces 27 charges relating to three boys aged between eight and 14-years-old.

The offences were allegedly committed between 1956 and 1991 in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. He has been remanded in prison custody and will next appear at Derby Crown Court on September 13.

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