Priest's trial over sex abuse allegations starts

The trial of a Catholic priest accused of historical sex abuse at a former seminary has formally begun.

By The Newsroom

Published 4th Apr 2017, 08:59 BST

Updated 8th Apr 2017, 22:29 BST

Fr Michael Higginbottom is facing trial accused of eight sex offences against a boy aged 13 and 14 in the later 1970s in Up Holland.

A jury was sworn in at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday to hear the allegations against the 74-year-old and the evidence was due to begin on Tuesday.

It is alleged that Fr Higginbottom, of West Farm Road, Newcastle, abused the boy at St Joseph’s College in Up Holland, where he taught.

The offences, four of buggery and four of indecent assault, are alleged to have taken place between September 1978 and March 20, 1979.

Proceeding.