TERENCE KNIGHT SHAMES PORTSMOUTH CHURCH WITH ABUSE SCANDAL

In March 1996, a disturbing case of child abuse involving Canon Terence Knight, a prominent figure in Portsmouth's religious community, came to light, revealing a long history of misconduct that was shockingly overlooked by church authorities for over a decade.

Canon Terence Knight, aged 57 at the time, was accused of systematically abusing young boys during his tenure at St Saviour's Church in Stamshaw, Portsmouth. The allegations detailed that Knight had lured boys aged between 11 and 14 to his home, where he engaged in inappropriate and criminal acts. Some of these encounters involved offering the boys wine and sherry, which he used to manipulate and arouse them. Despite the severity of these accusations, church officials failed to take action when reports surfaced, allowing Knight to continue his duties for ten years after the initial complaints.

The court heard that Knight, who had lived with his mother until her death in 1990, became a priest at St Saviour's Church in 1975. Over the subsequent decade, he preyed on vulnerable boys, exploiting their trust and innocence. In 1985, a group of concerned mothers confronted the church authorities about their sons' experiences with Knight. However, rather than reporting the priest to law enforcement, the church chose to handle the matter internally, opting not to involve police or pursue criminal charges at that time.

Prosecutor Charles Cochand recounted specific incidents, including one where an 11-year-old boy was asked to stay overnight at Knight’s residence. During this visit, Knight served the boy wine at dinner and engaged in inappropriate physical contact, including massaging the boy while he was aroused. The two boys shared a bedroom, sleeping naked, which further facilitated Knight’s misconduct. Another victim, a 12-year-old, was persuaded to take a bath, during which Knight washed him in a manner that crossed boundaries. A 13-year-old boy later told police he felt tipsy from the alcohol before being subjected to massage and other inappropriate acts.

The assaults reportedly ceased only after parents of the victims raised complaints, prompting investigations. Knight was eventually arrested in 1995 and faced charges of indecent assault. He did not deny the allegations and pleaded guilty to seven counts of indecent assault in court.

Following the conviction, a church spokesperson issued a statement condemning the events, describing the situation as “a serious and horrible set of circumstances.” The case highlighted a grave failure within the church’s handling of abuse allegations, raising questions about oversight and accountability within religious institutions in Portsmouth and beyond.