KEVIN CONWAY, SUNDERLAND VICAR, SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX OFFENSES AT NEWCASTLE CROWN COURT

In a case that has shocked the community of Sunderland, Kevin Conway, a vicar serving at St Wilfrids’s Church in Moorside, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after admitting to engaging in sexual activities with a 13-year-old girl. The sentencing took place at Newcastle Crown Court on a Thursday, marking a significant and disturbing development in the ongoing investigation.

Kevin Conway, aged 37 and a father of three children, pleaded guilty during an earlier hearing to multiple serious charges, including three counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, two counts of indecent assault, and an additional charge of gross indecency. The court heard that Conway’s actions towards the young girl were not only illegal but also deeply troubling, reflecting a pattern of inappropriate and abusive behavior.

Judge Maurice Cartlidge, presiding over the case, described Conway’s relationship with the teenage girl as “unhealthy, unnatural and abusive,” emphasizing the severity of the misconduct. The judge’s remarks underscored the gravity of the offenses and the betrayal of trust involved, given Conway’s position as a religious leader.

In addition to his prison sentence, Conway was ordered to be registered on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life, a measure designed to monitor and restrict his activities following his release. The case has sent ripples through the local community and the wider ecclesiastical community, prompting calls for reflection and increased vigilance.

Following the conviction, the Bishop of Jarrow, the Right Reverend John Pritchard, issued a statement expressing his deep sadness over the incident. He acknowledged the pain caused by Conway’s actions and assured that pastoral care and counseling services have been offered to all those affected by the case.

Furthermore, a spokeswoman representing the Bishop of Durham confirmed that Conway would now face disciplinary proceedings under ecclesiastical law. These proceedings are separate from the criminal case and are intended to address his standing within the church and any potential removal from clerical duties. The case remains a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding and the devastating impact of abuse within communities.