Two schoolboys who were tortured and sexually abused in the 1980s and 1990s have this week received some form of closure on their horrific childhood, by knowing that former Church of England Priest, Jonathan Graves has been sentenced to 12 years at Hove County Court.
At the time, Graves who is now 60 from Eastbourne, East Sussex, was the vicar at St Luke’s Church in Stone Cross where he abused his position to restrain the two boys who were between 12 and 14. He restrained them using belts and chains and he would beat them.
It was reported in Court how Graves, had groomed the boys by providing them with alcohol and tying them up using padlocks and beating them with canes and whips whilst forcing them to do the same to him.
Graves had an overwhelming need to seek punishment and humiliation and used the boys to satisfy his perverted desires.
He has been sentenced to 12 years for 12 offences dating between 1987 and 1992.
Unfortunately, Graves’ victims will have still suffered significant psychological harm due to his actions, and for these victims we realise there is unfortunately no getting away from what happened to them in their teen years. Pursing a claim often helps clients to bring closure to their ordeal following the sentence in providing the resources to fund medical treatment and therapy they may require.
As the victims, the boys may be entitled to pursue a Criminal Injuries Compensation Award (CICA) which is a government funded body for those who have suffered the trauma of being a blameless victim of a violent crime to award compensation for their suffering.
In addition to the CICA claim, due to Graves abusing his position as a Vicar, the boys may be entitled to pursue a claim against the Diocese of Chichester as they are responsible for the actions of the Vicar.
Here at Farleys with have already been instructed to pursue claims against various Dioceses’ in connection with similar incidents of abuse.
If you have been the victim of abuse by a Vicar or a member of the Diocese, our team is highly experienced and specialises in speaking directly with victims or their family members in confidence. Speak to our abuse solicitors on 0330 134 6430 or complete our online contact form.
