FRANCIS CULLEN: CHILD ABUSER FROM DUBLIN WHO SPREAD HORROR THROUGH MIDLANDS AND DUBLIN

In a disturbing case that has shocked communities across the Midlands and Dublin, Francis Cullen, a priest with a long history of abuse, has been convicted of heinous crimes committed over several decades. Cullen, originally born in Dublin, spent much of his clerical career in various locations including Derbyshire, Nottingham, and other parts of the Midlands, as well as in Dublin. His criminal activities spanned from 1957 to 1991, during which he exploited his position of trust to sexually assault multiple children.

It was only after years of evading justice that Cullen was finally brought to account. The 85-year-old was located in Tenerife, Spain, after police circulated information about his whereabouts. His extradition to the United Kingdom followed, leading to a court appearance at Derby Crown Court where he pleaded guilty to 21 separate charges of indecent assault. The victims ranged in age from just six years old to 14, and included five altar boys and two young girls, some of whom were present in court for sentencing.

Judge Jonathan Gosling sentenced Cullen to a total of 15 years in prison, condemning his actions as a gross betrayal of the trust placed in him by his parishioners and the church. The judge remarked on the hypocrisy of Cullen’s conduct, noting that he was administering sacraments such as baptism, confession, communion, and confirmation while simultaneously abusing the children who served him at the altar. The judge described Cullen’s behavior as a profound betrayal, stating, “You took full advantage of your position, and the trust in which you were held, to satisfy your perverted lust. It is impossible to reconcile the fact that you were administering the sacraments of the Catholic Church — baptism, confession, communion, confirmation — at the same time as you were indulging yourself with these children, some of whom served you on the altar at which you celebrated.”

He further condemned Cullen’s hypocrisy, emphasizing that his entire life was a lie, and describing him as cunning, devious, and arrogant. One of Cullen’s victims even described him as “despicable,” highlighting the profound impact of his actions.

The case was set to go to trial last month, but Cullen chose to admit guilt on the first day, avoiding a lengthy court process. Authorities believe there may be additional victims who have yet to come forward, given the extensive timeline of Cullen’s offending. Detective Constable Matt Goodwin from Derbyshire Police expressed confidence that more victims exist, stating, “Given the length of the offending history of this investigation, which lasted from 1955 to 1991, I believe it is inconceivable that there are not more victims of this man’s crimes.”

Cullen’s criminal history includes working at several churches, notably Christ the King in Mackworth, Derbyshire, from 1960 to 1978, and as a parish priest in Buxton from 1978 to 1987, before serving in Hyson Green, Nottingham, until his retirement in 1991. His abuse began early in his career, with the earliest incident reported at Christ the King in Mackworth in 1957. He also served at St. Anne’s in Buxton and later in Scunthorpe, Leicester, and Alfreton.

Following his retirement, Cullen faced charges of sexual abuse in Nottingham in 1991 but fled to Tenerife, where he lived for over two decades. His flight from justice was prompted by the charges brought against him by Nottinghamshire Police. It was only in 2012 that authorities located him in Tenerife, leading to his extradition and subsequent court proceedings.

In response to Cullen’s guilty plea, the Diocese of Nottingham issued a statement through Father Andrew Cole, expressing their relief that Cullen had taken responsibility for his actions. The diocese also requested that the Holy See dismiss Cullen from the clerical state, which would mean he would no longer be able to function as a priest, although technically he remains a priest in name.

As Cullen’s case concludes, the focus remains on supporting the victims and encouraging others who may have been harmed to come forward. The authorities continue to urge anyone with information or additional victims to contact them, emphasizing that the full extent of Cullen’s crimes may still be unknown. The community and church officials hope that justice will bring some measure of peace to those affected by his predatory actions.