Former priest sentenced for sexually abusing children

A former priest has been given a prison sentence totalling eight and a half years.

David Leslie Crowley, 69, currently of HMP Full Sutton, had previously pleaded guilty to nine counts of indecent assault and six counts of indecency with a child, involving five different victims, all young boys. The offences occurred on dates between 1982 and 1984 and between 1991 and 1995 in Settle, Huddersfield and Bradford.  

Crowley was interviewed in connection with the offences most recently in prison in August 2021, where he is currently serving a custodial sentence for similar offences.

He was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court on Monday 19 June 2023, to seven years six months imprisonment, plus a one-year extended sentence – to be served once his present sentence expires.

After the hearing, DC Suzanne Hall, of North Yorkshire Police's Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team, said: "Crowley's appalling offences were committed decades ago - but the passage of time cannot ease the pain and anguish suffered by the victims.

"I want to praise the courage of the victims in this case, and I hope today's result provides some comfort to them.

"This case proves that it is never too late to come forward to report non-recent sexual abuse. The Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team at North Yorkshire Police is equipped to support victims at every stage – they will be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect throughout."

Detective Inspector Oliver Coates, of Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, West Yorkshire Police, added: "This conviction follows a lengthy and comprehensive investigation by DC Moorhouse into the West Yorkshire offences. It ensures that this dangerous man will remain behind bars where he belongs.

"These offences were reported to the police many years after they occurred, and I hope the work that has been done to bring Crowley to justice shows that we will investigate historic offending. I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual offences, whether recent or non-recent, to report it. By doing so, we can ensure that you are supported and get the justice you deserve."

Seeking further support, advice and ways of reporting child abuse

Make a report via our website or call us on 101 if you have been a victim of abuse.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.

Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.

Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk

North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership - www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk

City of York Safeguarding Children Partnership (CYSCP) - www.saferchildrenyork.org.uk

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - Victims who would prefer not to go direct to the police and are not in immediate danger, can contact   Bridge House, North Yorkshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), on 0330 223 0362, email [email protected] or go to www.bridgehousesarc.org

You can also contact the Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire at www.supportingvictims.org or call 01609 643100.