By Grimsby priest to stand trial for sexual assault
Grimsby priest Terry Atkinson, 68, is to stand trial accused of the sexual assault of a young boy, it has been announced.
Atkinson is accused of five counts of sexual assault involving a boy aged 15-16.
While he has admitted contact with the boy, he denies any sexual behaviour or touching.
He previously entered a plea of not-guilty on all charges.
The offences are said to have occurred while Atkinson was involved with the Shalom Youth Project.
He also served at St Francis Church in Cleethorpes and St Andrew’s Church in Albion Street in Grimsby.
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.”
The trial, which is expected to last a week, will take place at Lincoln Crown Court and is scheduled to begin on April 26 next year.
