EDMUND COTTER, THE WICKED PRIEST FROM DALTON, JAILED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE IN CUMBRIA AND PRESTON

In a case that has shocked the community, Edmund Cotter, a Catholic priest from Dalton, has been sentenced to over five years in prison for a series of heinous child sex abuse crimes. The offences, which spanned several decades, involved a total of eleven young victims and were described by a judge as 'wicked' acts of betrayal and exploitation.

Judge Anthony Russell QC delivered the sentence, condemning Cotter for abusing his position of authority to silence and intimidate his victims. The judge emphasized that Cotter had targeted vulnerable children, many of whom were too frightened to come forward at the time, fearing disbelief or retribution. The priest's manipulative tactics included telling victims they were like God and warning that if they were not obedient, they would burn in Hell, thereby instilling fear and guilt that prevented disclosure.

The abuse reportedly took place during church meetings where children were called 'special ones' and instructed not to discuss what happened there. Some of these incidents occurred while Cotter was serving as the parish priest at St Gregory’s Church in Preston, and others during his time at St Anthony’s, also in Preston. The crimes only came to light years later when one of the victims, now married, learned that Cotter was serving at a church in Cumbria, specifically in Ulverston Road, Dalton, where he was associated with a primary school.

This revelation prompted concern for the safety of children at the Cumbria church, leading to further investigation. The victim, a nurse from Preston, was initially too scared to report the abuse, doubting that anyone would believe a priest could behave in such a manner. However, her concerns grew when she discovered Cotter’s presence in Cumbria, prompting her to alert authorities.

During the trial, Cotter admitted to 13 charges of indecent assault, most of which dated back to the 1970s. The offences included acts committed during his tenure at both Preston churches. The prosecution, led by Miss Hilary Banks, detailed how the abuse was often carried out during church group meetings, where Cotter would instruct members not to discuss what transpired and would invoke the presence of 'Our Lady' as a watchful overseer.

One victim described Cotter as a 'Pied Piper' figure who hypnotized him, illustrating the manipulative and controlling nature of his abuse. Cotter later told police that he felt terrible after the offences and sought confession, indicating a sense of remorse. Despite this, the judge made it clear that the damage inflicted was profound and that Cotter’s actions had profoundly betrayed his calling as a priest.

In addition to his prison sentence, Cotter was banned from working with children for the rest of his life and was ordered to be placed on the sex offenders register. The court’s verdict underscored the gravity of his crimes and the betrayal of trust involved, condemning his conduct as 'wicked' and highlighting the need for justice for his victims.