Priest on sex abuse charges
A Wigan priest has appeared in court accused of sexually abusing boys on 38 occasions.
Father William Green, priest at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, New Springs, was arrested late last year over allegations dating back to the 1970s.
Fr Green, 67, first appeared before Manchester magistrates last week facing six indecent assault and gross indecency charges.
They relate to alleged incidents while he worked as a teacher at St Bede's School in Manchester between 1977 and 1981.
Green, who now lives in Middleton, yesterday faced a further 32 similar charges dating between 1968 and 1987 involving a number of boys under 16.
Green offered no plea and was committed for trial at Manchester Crown Court on August 6. He was given unconditional bail.
Greater Manchester Police has set up a dedicated phone line for anyone affected by this investigation. It can be called 24 hours a day on 0161 856 6051.
The Salford Diocese Child Protection Commission also has a dedicated helpline on 0161 832 8317 or 07730 899978 which is available 24 hours a day.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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