HomeNewsNZ priest jailed for assault

NZ priest jailed for assault

Published on

spot_img

The Bishop of Waiapu in the Anglican Church of New Zealand has defrocked a priest for sexually assaulting a young woman.

The Bishop of Waiapu in the Anglican Church of New Zealand has defrocked a priest for sexually assaulting a young woman. On 17 Sept 2014 the Rt. Rev. Andrew Hedge (pictured) announced he had issued a sentence of “deprivation” against John Hamilton Tovey (64), who would “no longer hold the office, or perform any function of a priest in the Anglican Church in New Zealand and the worldwide communion”. Last week Tovey was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment on two counts of indecent assault committed between April 2014 and Jan 2015. In 2011 Tovey stepped down as assistant priest at All Saints parish in Taradale, having previously served in the Diocese of Wellington, and his licence to officiate was suspended earlier this year when a criminal complaint was filed. Bishop Hedge noted the crimes had been committed “separate to the church” but “I am appalled and disheartened that a priest, upon whom there are clear expectations from the church and the wider community, has caused so much hurt and abused a position of trust as a provider of care and as a priest.” Tovey had pled guilty to the charge and told the court: “I am deeply regretful for the hurt I have caused her emotionally and psychologically.

Latest articles

Former Eastbourne vicar pleads guilty to child pornography charges

A retired East Sussex clergyman appeared before the Old Bailey last week to plead...

Archbishop of Uganda’s Easter message

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba...

Preparations begin for Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations: Henry Orombi to preach

The Chairman of the Northern Uganda Regional Cluster, the Rt Rev. Godfrey Loum,...

New Westminster Archbishop’s Statement on Lapu Lapu Day tragedy in Vancouver

April 27, 2025 To the People of our Diocese of New Westminster,Last night in Vancouver,...

Graham Staines murderer given early release from prison

The early release of Mahendra Hembram, one of the men convicted in the 1999...

More like this

Former Eastbourne vicar pleads guilty to child pornography charges

A retired East Sussex clergyman appeared before the Old Bailey last week to plead...

Archbishop of Uganda’s Easter message

The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, the Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba...

Preparations begin for Uganda Martyrs Day celebrations: Henry Orombi to preach

The Chairman of the Northern Uganda Regional Cluster, the Rt Rev. Godfrey Loum,...