14 May 2026
Jonathan Fletcher
The Reverend Jonathan Fletcher, a former vicar of this church, was subject to an ‘examination of the facts’ hearing at Kingston Crown Court, 5 –11 May 2026. He had previously been judged not fit to enter a plea, nor to stand trial.
A charge of Grievous Bodily Harm was dropped ahead of the examination of the facts by the jury, which subsequently found that Mr Fletcher had committed eight counts of Indecent Assault of an Adult Male, over a period of almost twenty years.
In these circumstances, the only suitable outcome that could be imposed was an Absolute Discharge for each count. However, the judge concluded that Mr Fletcher had indecently assaulted the victim without their consent.
The Diocesan Safeguarding Team has worked to support the survivor in this case and continues to offer support to those affected by this matter. We hope that this ruling will give them some comfort and enable them to move forward.
We continue to make safeguarding a high priority here at Emmanuel, learning lessons from the past and working to grow a healthy and safe culture within our church.
Mr Fletcher retired in 2012 and does not have permission to hold any office in the Church of England.
Emmanuel Wimbledon is committed to high standards in the safeguarding and care of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, we are specifically committed to:
- promoting a safer environment and culture
- safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church
- responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation
- caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons
- caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons
- responding to those who may pose a present risk to others
Please see the Emmanuel Wimbledon safeguarding policy below for more details.
Emmanuel Wimbledon Safeguarding Policy
If you have any concerns or need support, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the following.
Emmanuel Safeguarding Officer: Robert Frazer
Email: safeguarding.officer@emmanuelwimbledon.org.uk
Church Warden: Ian Buchan
Email: ian@ianbuchan.net
Phone: 07843 069765
Church Warden: Claire Stansfield
Email: claire.stansfield@emmanuelwimbledon.org.uk
Phone: 07968 778956
Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor: Michael Browne
Email: safeguarding@southwark.anglican.org
Phone: 0207 939 9441
If you would like support from an external safeguarding body, please click the button below for further contact details.
External Safeguarding Contacts
Emmanuel Wimbledon complaints procedure
Responding to domestic abuse policy
code of safer working practice
