An internal investigation has been launched by the Diocese of Chester into allegations the vicar of St Michael and All Angels Church, Bramhall, the Rev. Simon Marsh, had assaulted a young women. Last week the Crown Prosecution Service released a statement saying that after reviewing a complaint investigated by the Greater Manchester Police “We have reached a decision that there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction and therefore consider that no further action should be taken in this case.” For the past 15 months police had investigated allegations that Mr. Marsh (55) had sexually assaulted a young woman between 2011 and 2013. Mr. Marsh had been suspended from office whilst the police reviewed the complaint. In the wake of CPS statement a diocesan spokesman said: “The Rev Simon Marsh has agreed not to conduct services or be actively engaged in parish ministry in Bramhall for the time being. Now that we’ve been informed that the criminal investigation has finished, with no charges being brought, an internal investigation by the Diocese of Chester is under way. In the meantime, alternative pastoral care will continue to be provided for the people of Bramhall.”
