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UK News

Former CofE priest charged with historic child sex offences

Ifor Whittaker from Sutton is accused of inciting the boy to commit an act of gross indecency and gross indecency.

The charges also include one offence of conspiracy with another ex-clergyman, Roy Cotton (deceased) to commit sex acts with the boy.

The charges all span between February 1987 and February 1993. The boy was then aged between 12 and 16.

The 72 year old, who lives on Rectory Road, was previously known as Colin Pritchard.

It's alleged the offences were committed in Sedlescombe, near Battle in East Sussex, where Whittaker was working a vicar at the time.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "The charges, authorised by the CPS, follow an investigation by the Sussex Police Complex Abuse Unit and detectives have had full co-operation from the Diocese of Chichester throughout the investigation.

"There are no current safeguarding issues for the church or the local community in relation to this investigation."

Whittaker will appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court in West Sussex on 24th May.

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