News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Laurence-Soper-main_article_image.jpg
Met Police
UK News

Abuse accused priest tracked down in Kosovo

Father Laurence Soper, in his mid-70s, was wanted on a European Arrest Warrant over an allegation of child abuse dating back to when he taught at St Benedict's, a private independent Catholic school which is part of Ealing Abbey in west London.

He was due to answer bail after being arrested in March 2011 but he failed to show up.

After more than five years evading officials, he was arrested in Kosovo on Wednesday.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We are aware of the arrest and we are liaising with the relevant authorities."

In June 2010 the Met said a man, then in his 40s, had made a historical allegation of sexual assault relating to his time at the school.

Soper was arrested in September that year on suspicion of historical sexual assault, and bailed to return to a west London police station pending further inquiries, but failed to appear.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "Our embassy is providing assistance following the arrest of a British national in Peja, Kosovo, on Wednesday 11 May."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

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