News by email Donate

Suggestions

Revd-Jim-Percival-baby-death-inquiry-main_article_image.jpg
Joel Goodman/PA Wire
UK News

Inquest begins after baby discovered dead in vicarage

Jonathan Percival was born on 25th November 2014 but pronounced dead a short time later.

The Rev Jim Percival, the vicar of Holy Trinity Church of England Church in Freckleton, Lancashire, and his daughter, Ruth were both questioned on suspicion of murder.

Police were called to the vicarage in the early hours of the morning following a report that a woman had given birth to a stillborn baby.

The pair were initially bailed pending further inquiries but in January this year, Lancashire Police retained the pair once again for questioning over child neglect.

Mr Percival's wife, Susan, 66, was also held in late 2014 on suspicion of conspiracy to conceal the birth of a child.

No further police action or prosecution was taken on any of the individuals questioned.

A full inquest, scheduled to last three days, will begin later today at Blackpool Coroner's Court with the full post-mortem report expected to shed some light on the baby's death.

By Dan Golding

News you can believe in. Stand with Premier Christian News today.

Your gift today ensures that Premier Christian News can press forward in strength, reaching more people with biblical truth and shaping the future of Christian thought. It’s more than just a donation—it’s an investment in renewed minds and transformed lives. 

Without continued support, the ability to create and distribute resources that strengthen faith and equip the church will be compromised. But with your help, we can grow deeper, stand firmer, and shine brighter in the culture.

Your support today is critical.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate