FORMER PRIEST,FITZPATRICK JAILED FOR BURGLARY, SEXUAL OFFENCE

BLACKFRIARS, London – Detectives are appealing for additional victims to come forward following sentencing of a former priest for non-recent sexual offences.

Former priest, Eugene Fitzpatrick, 68 of Raymond Avenue, Canterbury was convicted at Blackfriars Crown Court on Thursday, 25 May of seven counts of indecent assault, four counts of indecency with a child and two counts of buggery, all committed in the 1960, 70s, 80s and 90s.

At the same court on the following day, Friday 26 May, he was sentenced to 22 years’ imprisonment.

The indecent assault and indecency offences were committed against one victim in the Islington area between. The buggery offences were committed against a second victim at Our Lady St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hackney.

Detective Constables Lorraine Simpson and Klementina Balint, the investigating officers, said: “Eugene Fitzpatrick is a predatory sex offender who abused his position of trust, preying on vulnerable youngsters and subjecting them to horrific sexual abuse over a period of years.

“In addition to the two known victims in this case, I believe that there may be additional survivors of Fitzpatrick’s actions who continue to suffer in silence. I urge anyone who has been abused by Eugene Fitzpatrick to contact police without delay.

“Specially trained officers will support victims throughout the investigative process and there are a number of additional support pathways that we are able to signpost.”

Anyone who thinks they are a victim of Eugene Fitzpatrick is asked to contact the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command by dialling 101.