In 2024, the Offender Database reported that Rev Canon David Tudor, an Essex vicar, had been banned from practising as a religious leader after an investigation into allegations of historic “sexual abuse” and “sexual misconduct.” The Rev Canon David Tudor, who was the rector for the Parish of Canvey, has been struck off and removed from the register by the Church of England following a tribunal.
The tribunal was held following an investigation by the Diocese of Chelmsford into allegations of historic sexual acts of two victims. The tribunal decision shows that Mr David Tudor admitted his behaviour “was unbecoming and inappropriate to the office and work of a Clerk in Holy Orders.” It also states that one of the victims suffered a “ lasting impact” and another victim was left confused and in turmoil.”
The former vicar was arrested in April 2019 on suspicion of indecent assault, but police dropped the case in August 2022 and confirmed he would not face any charges. Mr Tudor remained suspended by the Diocese of Chelmsford. The tribunal was told that Mr David Tudor “did not challenge” allegations of kissing a child aged 15 and that he also “did not challenge” allegations of a sexual act with a child aged 16. The decision papers state that Mr David Tudor “offers a full apology” to the two victims.
The decision papers also reference victim impact statements from the two victims, who are named only as X and Y, to protect their identities. Mr David Tudor is also referred to as the respondent. For victim Y, the tribunal papers said: “The nature of the sexual acts at a young age has had a lasting impact on her consensual relationships moving forward. She entered adulthood with a confused idea of what a consensual, respectful relationship should look like. [She] was left confused and in turmoil.”
The outcome states: “The behaviour towards X and Y is properly characterised as sexual abuse. In both instances, the respondent was in a position of trust. They were young when the interaction began, and in addition to the position of trust, there was a substantial age disparity. Each of X and Y was vulnerable. They are properly described as victims.
“We accept from the victim personal statements of both X and Y that the abuse which they suffered at the hands of the respondent has a lasting effect. We consider, as we have set out above, that the behaviour of the respondent clearly amounted to sexual misconduct. We consider the conduct amounted to an abuse because of the abuse of trust, the disparity in age and the nature and duration of the conduct.
“He knew the nature of the allegations made against him and would have been able to make admissions as to that misconduct. The late acceptance of responsibility must, of itself, call into question the genuineness of any expressed remorse. The appropriate penalty is Prohibition for Life. The penalty of Removal from Office is an inevitable consequence of that finding. We, therefore, impose both penalties.”
Mr David Tudor has faced multiple allegations and has been suspended twice in relation to separate investigations. In 1988, he was subject to criminal proceedings on two separate occasions. In January 1988, he was acquitted in relation to an allegation of indecent assault.
In February 1988, he was convicted of indecent assault and was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, which he served. In July 1988, those convictions were quashed by the Court of Appeal.
In November of 1988, proceedings under the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure were brought regarding his accepted, albeit non-criminal, misconduct relating to the complainant in the first trial in 1988.
He was suspended from exercising his ministry for five years, and in 1997 was appointed Team Vicar of Canvey Island and in 2000 Team Rector. In around 2005, a complaint was made about his conduct regarding historic allegations, and no criminal proceedings were taken. After an assessment from the Diocese of Chelmsford, he was permitted to return to his position as Team Rector of Canvey Island.
In 2018, X reported the respondent to the police in respect of her current allegations. No criminal proceedings were taken. She then, in October 2021, made a complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003. In December 2022, Y made her complaint against the respondent under the Clergy Discipline Measure.
Following the tribunal’s decision, the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, said: “I am deeply sorry for the profound hurt and harm David Tudor’s behaviour has caused, and I welcome the tribunal’s decision to remove him from office and prohibit him from ministry for life.
“It has taken enormous courage from those who came forward to report David Tudor’s abuse that led to a formal complaint being investigated under the Clergy Discipline Measure. I am extremely grateful to them for doing so, and I know this lengthy process has caused considerable distress and anxiety. Anxiety and distress that could have been avoided, at least in some part, if David Tudor had made his admissions before now.”
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