Statement from the Bishop of Nottingham on the sentencing of Steven McNally at Nottingham Crown Court today.

Friday 19th January 2024

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Today, my prayers and thoughts are with the victims of the horrific crimes of Steven McNally. I am saddened and deeply sorry that this child sexual abuse occurred within Catholic organisations residing and operating within the Diocese of Nottingham in the 1970s.

Child sexual abuse not only heinously violates a child at the time of their abuse, but it all too often cruelly robs a child of their future. No sentence given today can ever remedy the life sentence given to McNally’s victims. They have carried, and will continue to carry, the painful and debilitating consequences of his grave crimes of sexual abuse throughout their whole lives. I admire and applaud their courage, resilience and determination in bringing McNally to justice today. From initial disclosure through to the conclusions of this trial, I do not underestimate the costly and retraumatising impact on these victims in having to relive some of the darkest moments of their lives. I thank them for their bravery and assure them of my prayerful support.

Today the Diocese of Nottingham remains committed to embedding robust safeguarding practices across all of our parishes, chaplaincies and any organisations operating within the diocese. The professional support of our safeguarding department enables the safer recruitment & training of all employees and volunteers. It also ensures that we are always transparent and accountable in the way that all allegations and concerns are managed. We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities, yet in light of today’s horrific news, we readily acknowledge that there is still always much for us to learn and improve on.

My door, and that of my safeguarding team, is always open to anyone affected by abuse.

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Bishop Patrick McKinney

Bishop of Nottingham

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Helpful links:

Diocese of Nottingham Safeguarding Team

Contact the Office of the Bishop

Safe Spaces

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