Catholic monk charged with historical sex offences after returning to UK from Kosovo
The crimes allegedly took place over a period from 1972 to 1986
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A Catholic monk has been charged with a string of historical sex offences against teenage boys after he returned to Britain from Kosovo following a five-year police hunt.
Father Laurence Soper is accused of assaulting five boys, one under the age of 14 at the time, over a period from 1972 to 1986.
The nine charges include offences of buggery, gross indecency and indecent assault.
The 72-year-old was arrested as he arrived at Luton Airport on Sunday by officers from Scotland Yard's Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.
Soper, who was detained under a European Arrest Warrant in Kosovo in May, will appear at Ealing Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Four of the charges, including buggery, gross indecency and indecent assault, relate to a single alleged victim and date from 17 February 1972 to 18 February 1976.
The boy was under the age of 14 when Soper carried out acts of gross indecency against him, it is alleged.
Two charges of indecent assault relate to a second boy younger than 16, alleged to have occurred between 22 August 1979 and 23 August 1984.
Soper faces further charges of indecent assault against another two boys under 16, alleged to have taken place between 4 December 1979 and 23 December 1984, and 10 November 1979 and 11 November 1984.
A fifth boy, also under the age of 16, was assaulted on a day between 14 May 1982 and 15 May 1986, it is alleged.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments