An evangelical church in Hemel Hempstead has apologised for its "misjudgement" after allowing a deacon to continue in his role even after he was charged with historic sexual offences.

Michael Toms was sentenced this week to nine years in prison after being found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court in September of one count of rape, six counts of indecent assault, and two counts of indecency with a child.

He was acquitted on two further counts of indecent assault.

The crimes took place between 1979 and 1983, when Toms was between 15 and 19 years old. The two girls involved were aged between 12 and 13.

 As well as allowing Toms to continue as a deacon, Alexandra Road Congregational Church also appointed him to the role of Director in February 2024 despite knowing the allegations against him. The church said the appointment was purely for administrative purposes.

In a statement to Premier the church said it had misjudged the situation.

‘We are grieved over Mike Toms’ offending, and are concerned for the victims of his crimes – we pray that they may know justice, healing, and the Lord’s comfort," the statement read.

It continued: "Although Mike was stood down straightaway from duties with children and vulnerable adults after charges were brought, with hindsight, we, as a church, are truly sorry for the misjudgements we made in allowing him to continue to serve as a deacon when he was charged with these offences, and for appointing him as a CLG Director. We are submitting a serious incident report to the Charity Commission, as well as working with statutory authorities. We will also be commissioning an independent Safeguarding review to examine our decisions and culture.

‘We commit ourselves to being a community where survivors are believed and cared for, where protecting the vulnerable is at the heart of our life together, and where leadership is exercised with integrity; and one where people can come to find forgiveness in Christ."

Toms, who is a father of three, had pleaded not guilty to the offences.