Further police investigations into the Church in Wales clergy after the conviction of Anthony Pierce
The Church in Wales featured in the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, which concluded that the church had an insufficient number of safeguarding officers and also had a problem with record-keeping. It also noted that there had been very little provision made by the church for the survivors of child sex abuse.
The Church in Wales is now in the spotlight again following the conviction of an ex-Bishop for child sex abuse earlier in the year and recent reports in the media of new investigations in relation to non-recent child sex abuse allegations.
At a hearing in Swansea Crown Court on 12 March 2025, Anthony Pierce pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on a child aged 14 between 1985 and 1990. He was sentenced to 4 years and one month imprisonment.
He was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders register for the rest of his life.
At the time of the offences, he was the priest in West Cross, Swansea and it is reported that the abuse took place in the vicarage.
Pierce was then the bishop of Swansea and Brecon between 1999 and 2008 when he stood down. It has been reported in the media that concerns were raised about him as early as 1986. It is also said that another allegation of sexual abuse against Pierce was made to a senior figure within the Church of Wales in 1993. However, the church failed to notify the police of the allegation until 2010 by which time the complainant had sadly passed away and did not therefore have the opportunity to seek justice.
The survivor of the sexual abuse for which Pierce was convicted reported it to a safeguarding officer in 2023 and on this occasion it was forwarded on to the police without delay.
The Church of Wales has now started an independent investigation into their handling of complaints relating to Pierce and their safeguarding processes. There have also been calls within the church for him to be deposed from Holy Orders
The BBC have reported that several other men have come forward and made allegations of sexual abuse against Pierce.
Jordans Solicitors are acting on behalf of survivors whom it is alleged were sexually abused in religious of institutions. Compensation is a small step towards taking control of your life and getting the justice you deserve.
If you or your child have been affected by anything in this article and would like to speak to one of our highly qualified abuse team members in confidence, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
We understand how difficult it can be for you to talk about the abuse you suffered during your childhood. That’s why our specially trained child abuse solicitors work closely alongside psychologists and barristers to support you both emotionally and legally.
Jordans successfully represent and secure compensation for numerous victims of abuse and are highly experienced in this area. They are experts in overcoming the particular challenges that arise in these types of sensitive cases.
If you want to discuss the options that are open to you, please contact our specialist Abuse Team at Jordans Solicitors on 0800 9555 094 or request a call back from us.