September 23, 2020 12.47 pm This story is over 48 months old

Church man charged with sexual assaults on boys

Historic allegations on five boys
The Diocese of Lincoln is located at Edward King House, Minster Yard, Lincoln. Photo: Marrs Denique Victor Est

A 68-year-old man will appear at Lincoln Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with five counts of sexual assault on minors as part of Operation Redstone.

Terry Atkinson, from Tetney Road in Humberston, will appear at court after an investigation into alleged indecent assaults on boys.

Some of the offences are alleged to have occurred while he was involved with St Johns and St Stephens Church Centre, which is now known as the Shalom Youth Project in Grimsby.

The police investigation codenamed Operation Redstone uncovered shocking historic abuse at the hands of Diocese of Lincoln clergy and staff.

Three men were convicted – Roy Griffiths, John Bailey and Stephen Crabtree – for historical sexual offences against children and vulnerable people.

Roy Griffiths was jailed for six years.

John Bailey walking to court to be sentenced. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Former clergyman Stephen Crabtree has been jailed for three years

The trials highlighted a culture of coverups in the church.

Investigations found decades of allegations had been ignored by former Bishops of Lincoln.

Abuse cases were not referred to police until decades later, it was revealed in the Church of England Past Cases Review.

Victims also spoke out the first time in a BBC Panorama documentary.

Anyone who wishes to speak with the officers working on Operation Redstone should email [email protected] or for support on this matter contact the Diocese of Lincoln on 01522 504068.

Victim Lincs is a service where victims of crime can support receive support regardless of when it took place and whether they choose to report the crime to police or not. Victim Lincs can be contacted on 01522 947510.