On 12 June 2015 the Lewes Crown Court sentenced Robert Coles to 16 months imprisonment, to be served after he completes his current eight year term.
A retired Church of England priest currently serving an eight year term for sexually abusing boys, pled guilty to two further charges of indecent assault against a boy in Portslade, East Sussex. On 12 June 2015 the Lewes Crown Court sentenced Robert Coles of Eastbourne (74) to 16 months imprisonment, to be served after he completes his current term. In a statement released following the ruling a spokesman for the Diocese of Chichester said: “This verdict and sentence follows Robert Coles’ earlier conviction and sentencing in 2013. We are grateful to Sussex Police, with whom we continue to work closely, for their professionalism and dedication in cases such as these. In response to the conviction of Coles in 2013, a ban was imposed under Section 30 of the Clergy Discipline Measure, prohibiting Coles from the possibility of any future ministry. This case demonstrates once again how difficult it is for victims of sexual abuse to report the crimes that have been committed against them. We acknowledge the courage of the victim in coming forward in this case to ensure that justice is done.” The diocesan spokesman went on to say: “We are deeply sorry and ashamed that any priest in this Diocese could have acted in such a way. As a result of the courage of victims coming forward in cases such as these, we continue to do everything possible to ensure that our churches are safe spaces for everyone”.
