A former Church of England vicar accused of serious physical and sexual abuse will not stand trial, after a judge ruled he is not fit to enter a plea.

Jonathan Fletcher had faced charges including grievous bodily harm and indecent assault, involving 17 allegations from multiple alleged victims.

A judge has ordered an “examination of the facts” hearing instead, according to The Telegraph.

The 83 year-old will not be involved in proceedings and will not face a normal sentence if allegations are proven. It will take place in May 2026, when the trial was scheduled. 

An independent report alleged he engaged in naked massages, forfeits including smacking with a gym shoe, and sex acts. It looked at what happened while Fletcher was vicar at Emmanuel Church Wimbledon between 1982 to 2012.

The review also said his influence in conservative evangelical circles contributed to a delay in information coming to light.

Victims told The Telegraph that the decision is deeply distressing, saying it does not remove the “moral responsibility” of those who allowed a culture of abuse in the church.