Former Grimsby priest in court on sexual assault charges

A retired Grimsby priest has appeared before Lincoln Magistrates Court today charged with sexually assaulting teenage boys at the Shalom Youth Project.

According to reports, the five separate offences took place in the 1980s and involved boys aged 15-16.

Father Terry Atkinson, 68, has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.

The ongoing investigation is the result of a Lincolnshire Police operation looking into historic sexual offences.

Discussing the case, a spokesperson for the force said:

“Terry Atkinson, aged 68, from Tetney Road, Humberston, has been summoned to appear for five offences of sexual assault, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 1956.

“The summons follows an investigation into alleged indecent assaults on boys. Some of the offences are alleged to have occurred while he was involved with St Johns and St Stephens Church Centre, which is now known as the Shalom Youth Project, Grimsby.”

Among the number of churches Father Terry Atkinson served at are St Francis Church in Cleethorpes and at St Andrew’s Church in Grimsby.

He is next scheduled to appear at Lincoln Crown Court on October 22.

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