DAVID MCINTOSH SHOCKS RUNCORN, SWINDON, AND WARRINGTON WITH SEX OFFENSES AT CHURCH CAMPS

In December 1997, a disturbing case emerged involving Reverend David Henry McIntosh, a former church leader whose actions have sent shockwaves through the communities of Runcorn, Swindon, and Warrington. The 52-year-old vicar was sentenced to three years in prison at Liverpool Crown Court after admitting to multiple charges of indecent assault against young boys.

McIntosh, a father of three, was found guilty of abusing seven boys aged between 10 and 11 years old. The court heard that his misconduct took place during various Christian youth group activities, notably during holiday camps organized by the Crusader movement. These camps included events at a boarding school in Swindon, Wiltshire, in 1988, 1994, and 1995, as well as a reunion gathering at a church commissioner's residence in Llandudno in 1994.

The court was informed that the abuse involved inappropriate and sexually explicit 'shower games,' which entailed naked boys being slid between two naked adults or pushed towards walls in shower facilities. Prosecutor Henry Globe QC detailed that McIntosh, who served as a camp chaplain at Pinewood boarding school in Swindon from 1988 to 1991 and later became the overall holiday leader in 1993, was directly involved in these activities. The abuse in Llandudno was committed against two boys from an Ellesmere Port school where McIntosh was serving as a vicar at the time.

During the proceedings, McIntosh was seen clasping his hands in front of him as the sentence was announced. He had previously resigned from his position at Barnton, near Northwich, following his arrest in December of the previous year. His work history also included serving as part of a ministry team in Ellesmere Port.

The court was told that McIntosh's misconduct extended beyond the camps, involving the rubbing of massage oil into a boy's body in a hotel room in Swindon. The seriousness of his breach of trust was emphasized by Judge David Maddison, who pointed out that McIntosh was in a position of authority and responsibility, entrusted by the boys and their parents, as well as the church community. The judge noted that McIntosh had even contributed to drafting guidelines for appropriate behavior among youth leaders, which made his actions even more egregious.

While the judge acknowledged that McIntosh may not have set out with the intent to corrupt, he stressed that activities of this nature are inherently capable of causing harm and corruption. The court's decision also mandated that McIntosh register as a sex offender for life under the Sex Offenders Act 1997.

Following the sentencing, the Bishop of Chester, Rt Rev Dr Peter Forster, expressed regret over the case, stating that the Church of England expects the highest standards from its clergy. He clarified that the offenses occurred during camps unrelated to McIntosh's official duties as a priest and assured the public that no allegations of misconduct had been made against him during his service within the diocese. Nonetheless, the bishop acknowledged the profound damage and distress caused by McIntosh's actions.

Defending McIntosh, David Steer QC emphasized that the offenses represented a breach of trust rather than serious sexual misconduct. He expressed regret for McIntosh's betrayal and highlighted that the defendant had no intention to harm or corrupt the boys. Steer also noted that McIntosh, who had previously enjoyed a good reputation and had been involved with the Crusaders for over 40 years, would face social ostracism and the loss of valued friendships as a consequence of his actions. The defendant, who met his wife Valerie while studying mathematics and physics at Durham University, has seen his personal and professional life significantly impacted by this case, with his silver wedding anniversary now overshadowed by these proceedings.