PRIEST 'USED DARK PERSONALITY TO ABUSE BOYS'

[Ian David]

11:00 - 17 July 2007

A roman Catholic priest abused his position of power and trust to prey on pupils at a Devon school, a court heard.

Exeter Crown Court heard yesterday how Paul Couch, 61, of Wyndham Street West, Plymouth, harboured a 'dark and secret sexual personality' which he allegedly used to sexually abuse young boys attending a Catholic school more than 30 years ago.It's alleged Couch committed a string of sexual offences against boys at the school between 1972 and 1993.

The priest and former Royal Navy chaplain has pleaded not guilty to two serious sex charges and 15 of indecent assault.

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During his opening, Ian Fenny, for the crown prosecution service, said: "One of the most difficult things for any Roman Catholic is to grapple with the notion that a man in Holy Orders can abuse children. "It shakes their faith to the core."

More:
http://www.thisissouthdevon.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=134822&command=displayContent&sourceNode=237837&home=yes&more_nodeId1=134831&contentPK=17850619


Oddly enough, this is the photo that appears beside the article online:

[Jed Dilligan]

1. I guess that's what happens to Catholics

when their faith is "shaken to the core." The next step is clown wigs and metallic pantsuits.

[Ian David]

2. They join The Sacred Order of Xanadu and The Knights of Olivia