MICHAEL DUNN SHOCKS THORNABY AND WALSINGHAM WITH CHILD ABUSE SCANDAL

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the communities of Thornaby and Walsingham, Michael Dunn, a Roman Catholic priest, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting to the sexual abuse of a 13-year-old boy over three decades ago. The sentencing took place following a detailed court hearing where the gravity of Dunn’s actions was laid bare.

Judge Peter Armstrong delivered the sentence after reviewing the evidence and hearing about the extensive nature of the abuse inflicted by Dunn, who was then serving at Christ the King Church in Thornaby. The priest, now aged 55, pleaded guilty at Teesside Magistrates Court in January to two counts of gross indecency and one count of indecent assault, all relating to the same victim. The charges spanned the years 1975 and 1976, and the court sentenced Dunn to 18 months on each charge, with all sentences to run concurrently.

The court was informed that the victim’s family, known for their devout religious beliefs, had initially befriended Dunn when he arrived to serve in the parish in 1975. Over time, Dunn’s relationship with the family turned sinister as he exploited his position of trust. The abuse took place in various locations, including the church presbytery, the boy’s school, his family home, and at a religious shrine in Walsingham, Norfolk. Disturbingly, Dunn also used his own parents’ residence in Hull as a site for his predatory acts.

The victim, who is now 43 years old and a married man, has spoken publicly about the trauma he endured. It was only recently that he was able to confront the painful memories and come forward with his story. The abuse continued until December 1976, when the victim’s family moved away, ending the period of torment.

Prosecutor Yvonne Taylor explained that Dunn had told his victim he “loved him,” a statement that underscores the manipulative and abusive nature of his conduct. The investigation was initiated after the victim contacted the child protection unit of Stockton police last October. During interviews, the now adult man described how the abuse had profoundly affected his life, leaving him with lasting scars.

Since the allegations surfaced, Dunn has been placed on “administrative leave” from his current position at St Francis of Assisi Church in Hull, a role he has held since 1994. He left Thornaby in 1978 and is affiliated with the Diocese of Middlesbrough. The court heard that Dunn expressed remorse for his actions, with his defense team highlighting over 50 character references from teachers, magistrates, and parishioners praising his contributions to church life in Hull.

One notable supporter was John Nicholson, a magistrate from Hull, who testified that Dunn was one of the most caring and dependable individuals he had ever known. Despite Dunn’s admission of guilt, Nicholson and his children expressed their support for him, emphasizing the positive impact he had within the community. The case has left a lasting impact on all involved, shining a harsh light on the abuse of trust by a figure of religious authority.