Investigation into Additional Allegations
Police are currently investigating new allegations against Anthony Pierce, a former bishop who was imprisoned last year for sexually abusing a boy. Pierce, aged 85, served as the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon from 1999 to 2008. He pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on a child under 16 years of age.
South Wales Police have confirmed that three further reports of offences have been received since Pierce was sentenced to four years and one month in prison. These new allegations date back to the 1970s and 1980s.
Police Appeal for More Victims to Come Forward
Detective Inspector Tom Richardson stated that the police believe there may be additional victims and have encouraged anyone affected to report their experiences. Pierce was convicted for sexually abusing a boy during his tenure as a parish priest in West Cross, Swansea, between 1985 and 1990.
The three new allegations are currently under investigation, according to police officials.
Church Cover-Up Allegations
In February, the BBC disclosed separate claims of sexual abuse against Pierce involving a 15-year-old boy, which were allegedly concealed by the Church in Wales. These allegations were initially reported to senior Church officials in 1993 but were only brought to the attention of the police in 2010. By that time, the victim had passed away, and no further action was taken.
The victim's mother, identified as Brenda (a pseudonym), told BBC Wales:
"The only person who believed him was me... it was dismissed. He had no trust in the system."
Encouragement to Victims and Police Response
Regarding the call for potential victims to come forward, Det Insp Richardson remarked:
"We know how difficult it must be for anyone to have suffered abuse in the past to come forward now. It was the bravery of the victim who reported Pierce's actions which was instrumental in bringing him to justice."
He added that since Pierce's conviction and sentencing, police have received reports from three individuals who have taken the step to come forward.
"We believe that there may be others who have been subject to Pierce's crimes and we want to provide reassurance that any reports will be fully investigated and dealt with sensitively and with compassion,"
he said.
