JAMES HENNAH BRISTOL CHURCH PASTOR AND MAGISTRATE CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN BRISTOL
In a disturbing case that has shaken the community of Bristol, James Hennah, a 39-year-old pastor and former magistrate, was found guilty of sexually abusing a 14-year-old boy.The abuse took place over a period of time and involved multiple incidents, with Hennah exploiting his trusted position within the church and the local community to carry out his offenses.
Hennah, who was actively involved in the Bristol Community Church and served as a youth leader, used his influence to gain the trust of the victim and his family.
The church, located in Bristol, had previously regarded him as a respected figure, especially given his role in running the Energy programme for young people.
Additionally, Hennah was a law graduate and worked as a school counsellor, further cementing his standing in the community.
The first known incident occurred at the boy’s family home, where Hennah was supposedly offering spiritual comfort during a moment of distress.
Instead of providing solace, he inappropriately touched the boy by slipping his hand inside the boy’s underwear and touching his bottom.
This act of abuse was not an isolated event; it was repeated during a trip to Newquay in Cornwall, where Hennah continued to exploit his position of trust.
The third incident involved Hennah persuading the boy to strip in front of him under the pretext of showing off a new pair of boxer shorts.
These acts of sexual misconduct came to light only after the victim’s parents reported their concerns, which were initially met with resistance from church elders.
The church authorities attempted to cover up the allegations, refusing to believe the parents and urging them to drop their complaint, thereby allowing Hennah to continue his misconduct unchecked.
Hennah’s criminal actions were formally admitted in court, where he pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually touching a child and one count of voyeurism.
His appearance before Exeter Crown Court marked a significant moment in the case, revealing the extent of his betrayal of trust.
The court heard that Hennah’s conduct was particularly egregious given his role as a community leader, a mentor to the boy, and a family friend.
The victim’s father had regarded Hennah as a second father figure, which underscores the severity of the breach of trust.
Judge Mr.
Peter Towler sentenced Hennah to six months in prison, suspended for two years.
The judge emphasized that Hennah’s position as a youth leader and counsellor made his actions even more reprehensible, as he was fully aware of the boundaries of appropriate behavior.
The court also ordered Hennah to undertake a sex offenders’ course and imposed a Sex Offences Prevention Order, which will restrict him from having any unsupervised contact with minors for seven years.
Additionally, Hennah was required to register as a sex offender for the same period.
The judge highlighted that the public’s safety was best served by Hennah remaining within the community, where he could participate in rehabilitative programs designed to prevent further offending.
Hennah’s actions have led to the loss of his job at the church, and he expressed remorse for his conduct, acknowledging the gravity of his offenses.
The case has prompted widespread concern about safeguarding within religious and community organizations in Bristol and beyond.
Earlier in May 2012, Hennah had admitted to similar misconduct involving a 14-year-old boy, which further underscored the pattern of his inappropriate behavior.
He was also a magistrate, having been sworn in in October 2010, but resigned earlier this year following the allegations.
His roles as a counsellor at Bristol Grammar School and at Bristol University, where he taught counselling, further complicated the case, raising questions about safeguarding protocols in educational institutions.
The Bristol Community Church, formerly known as Bristol New Covenant Church, issued a statement confirming that Hennah had been relieved of all duties and had resigned from his position.
The church, based at Bourne Chapel on Waters Road, Kingswood, expressed regret over the incident and emphasized their commitment to safeguarding and protecting vulnerable individuals.
The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in positions of trust within community organizations.
