UK police charge fugitive priest with child sex crimes

August 22, 2016 10:01 AM

He faces nine charges in total, according to a police statement, which said there were five victims.

British police have charged a former priest with child sex crimes after he returned to the UK from Kosovo, where he had been on the run for around five years living under a false name.

Recommended articles

world Iranian morality police crack down on women who don't wear headscarves
local Kia driver who caused accident involving Ghana’s new train reports himself to Police
world Israeli military leaders to hold third meeting on how to deal with Iran

Laurence Soper, 72, was due to appear at a west London court later on Monday to face charges for crimes he is accused of committing from 1972 to 1986. He was arrested at Luton Airport on Sunday after he flew back to Britain.

Described by police as a monk, Soper had lived in the town of Peja in Kosovo for about five years under the name Andrew Charles Kingston. British media said the former abbot from Ealing, west London, who was a teacher in the 1970s and 80s, had jumped bail in 2011.

Kosovan authorities detained Soper on an international arrest warrant in May but two extradition requests were rejected by courts in the country, the second because the crimes were committed too long ago.

Police in Kosovo told Reuters that Soper had exceeded the time limit of his stay in the country and had been deported.

Ben Bassey

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!