May 1998 – Paedophile banned  A convicted paedophile has been banned from attending churches across a diocese by the Church of England to protect children. In an unprecedented step, Michael Cope, 49, from Broomhill in Sheffield, has been excluded from all church services in the city where children might be present. He says he is a victim of “phobia and hysteria” but the church says it had no other choice. The Archdeacon of Sheffield, Stephen Lowe, said: “We have taken a responsible decision which has nothing to do with the recent hue and cry and witch hunts. “I do not wish to drive this man underground and I do not wish to ban him from any involvement in the church. “But we must behave responsibly and we must show we are clearly protecting the children when they are potentially at risk. “Under those circumstances we have asked him not to attend church where children are present.” ‘Climate of hysteria’ Mr Cope, who had been a regular attender at Sheffield Cathedral said the ban was based on fears of paedophiles, which were often misguided. He said: “I think it is phobia and hysteria. It is not really related to my actions. “There is a general climate not helped by the press. “I have spent so many years regretting that this happened and that people were upset. I do accept that I broke the law – I am not claiming otherwise. Mr Cope was last convicted in 1995, when he was jailed for 18 months for indecently assaulting a boy who was taking part in an opera at a theatre. He was jailed in 1988 for nine months for indecently assaulting three choirboys. He said: “It will be a hardship of course, but it looks like I will not be going to church.” Mr Cope’s details have been circulated to neighbouring dioceses and copies of his photograph given to clergy so that he can be identified. If the ban fails, the diocese has said it will consider taking out an injunction. A spokesman said the decision had been taken in full collaboration with the police, social services and probation service. Detective Superintendent Bob Purdy, deputy head of South Yorkshire CID, said: “We think this is a matter for the church. Child protection is a key issue and safety of the community is a major concern.”