GEORGE GLOVER BENSHAM PRIEST SENTENCED FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT ON BOY IN GATESHEAD

In a case that has shocked the local community, Reverend George Glover, a priest with ties to the Bensham area in Gateshead, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for the sexual assault of a 10-year-old boy. The incident took place at Glover's residence in Bensham, where he indecently assaulted the young boy in April of the previous year.

Glover, aged 44, who was known among parishioners as Father Eddie, faced a four-day court hearing in August during which he denied the charges. Despite his denial, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him, leading to his placement on the Sex Offenders’ Register indefinitely on the day of sentencing. Additionally, he was ordered to undergo two and a half years of close supervision following his release from prison.

The judge presiding over the case at Newcastle Crown Court emphasized that Glover had violated established regulations concerning interactions with minors. Specifically, he had been alone with the child at his vicarage, a breach of protocol that was particularly egregious given a recent warning from the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull, about safeguarding young people.

The court proceedings revealed that the assault occurred while Glover’s wife was away from their home. The incident took place at St Chad’s vicarage, where Glover was serving as the parish priest. The court also heard that Glover had previously left his position in the Prime Minister’s constituency of Trimdon, County Durham, in 1997 after a member of his congregation accused him of having sexual relations with her. However, he was cleared of any ecclesiastical wrongdoing in an ecclesiastical court and subsequently resumed his clerical duties in Gateshead.

During the trial, Michael Hodson, Glover’s defense attorney, maintained that his client continued to deny the allegations. He also noted that Glover’s wife was standing by him, providing support despite the serious accusations.

Glover, who has been married twice, received support from his first wife, who wrote a letter of endorsement to the court. Parishioners also provided references praising his pastoral care and dedication to his community. Nonetheless, the judge made it clear that the nature of the offense constituted a severe breach of trust. The court highlighted that as a parish priest, Glover was entrusted with the spiritual well-being of his congregation, especially young people, and that his actions had betrayed that trust.

In delivering the sentence, the judge stated that incarceration was inevitable, underscoring the gravity of the crime and the breach of moral and ethical responsibilities expected of someone in Glover’s position.