Ex-Priest Jailed for Sex Attacks on Teen in 1990s
Father Anthony White, 64, from Cross-In-Hand, Heathfield, was locked up at Hove Crown Court on June 10. He was convicted on April 1 at Chichester Crown Court for two counts of indecent assault and one of buggery against a 15-year-old boy. The abuse took place in Horsham between 1992 and 1993 while White was Assistant Priest at St Johns Church.
Ten Years Behind Bars for Sickening Abuse
White received a total sentence of ten years and six months for buggery, plus five years for each indecent assault charge. The sentences run concurrently, meaning he must serve at least two-thirds of his time in prison.
Trust Betrayed: How White Groomed Victim
The CPS prosecuted after detectives from West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit launched a probe in 2020 following the victim’s report. Officers got full cooperation from church authorities and helped support the victim through the traumatic case.
“White slowly gained the family’s trust after they started attending church,” said Detective Constable Yvonne Daddow. “The boy visited White’s home for ‘housework’ but was plied with alcohol and raped on the first visit. He was assaulted several other times.”
Victim Spoke Out After Nearly 30 Years
The victim kept the horrific abuse secret for nearly three decades, suffering in silence with serious mental health effects. It was only after watching a TV documentary about other priest abuse scandals that he finally came forward.
“I want to thank the witnesses who stepped up to help police with this investigation,” Daddow added. “We are committed to digging up the truth and supporting victims, no matter how long ago the crimes happened.”
