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	Pervert Vicar, 84, Is Jailed By Seb Ramsey The Manchester Evening News [United Kingdom] January 25, 2006 http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/men/news/s/201/201342_pervert_vicar_84_is_jailed.html AN 84-year-old parish priest who systematically abused a teenage boy is starting a 10-month prison sentence today. Richard Evans, of Edge Lane, Droylsden, was jailed at Manchester Crown Court after a judge said he had "groomed and abused" a teenager from the age of 13 for his "own sexual gratification". His victim, who is now in his 40s, was assaulted in St John's Church, Ashley Lane, Moston, where Evans was the vicar until 1991. Evans pleaded guilty to three specimen charges of 18 counts of indecent assault that were brought as a result of his behaviour between 1973 and 1981. The abuse began in the church vestry but also took place at the rectory and on a pilgrimage. The court was told it happened on a regular basis, as often as once a week. Evans, who is open about his homosexuality, stopped the abuse when his victim was 21, claiming he hadn't realised he wasn't enjoying it. Judge Clement Goldstone QC heard that, despite the assaults, the pair remained friends. Suicide bid Kevin Donnelly, prosecuting, said the abuse had only surfaced after the victim had spoken to a psychiatrist last year, after he had overdosed on anti-depressants. He said: "One of his main concerns was that if he'd died, it would have been the defendant who officiated at his funeral and nobody would have known the truth." He said when the victim mentioned the counselling to Evans, the former minister said that he was sorry but he claimed it had only happened a couple of times. Mr Donnelly said: "He was very angry that he was minimising the extent of the abuse." Mr Donnelly added: "He knew what was taking place was wrong and he felt powerless to do anything about it because the defendant was a priest and he didn't think that anyone would believe him." Mark Benson, defending, argued for a suspended sentence for the pensioner. He said Evans had fooled himself that his victim was consenting and he added that his age and frailty would make him very vulnerable in custody. Sentencing, Judge Goldstone jailed Evans for 10 months, saying his case didn't warrant a suspended sentence. Residents in the area where Evans had been a vicar last night expressed shock over his conviction. Joan Bostock, a key member of the parish for more than 30 years, said she was stunned to learn of his abuse. The 82-year-old said: "It's very sad to hear about what has happened."
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