Former Southwark Cathedral verger charged with indecent assault
Clive McCleester, 81, denies 12 offences alleged to have occurred in Eltham and Southwark between 1976 and 1983.
Incident → evidence → outcomeClive McCleester, 81, appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 21, facing 12 charges related to alleged indecent assaults on boys. The charges include 11 counts of indecent assault of a boy under 16 and one count of indecent assault of a boy under 14. McCleester pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Allegations span over a decade
The alleged offending is said to have taken place between 1976 and 1983. The locations specified in the charges are Eltham and Southwark. These allegations involve three victims, according to reports.
Background of the accused
At the time of the alleged offences, McCleester worked at a children's home in Eltham and also at a school near Basingstoke. He later became a verger at Southwark Cathedral in 1982, serving in that role until 1992. He also worked at Winchester Cathedral until 2000 and subsequently as Dean's verger at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
Court proceedings
Following his appearance at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, McCleester was remanded in custody. His case is scheduled to be heard next at Woolwich Crown Court in October. The exact date for this appearance was not specified.
Questions this report answers
01What are Clive McCleester's charges?
Clive McCleester, 81, faces 12 charges: 11 counts of indecent assault of a boy under 16 and one count of indecent assault of a boy under 14. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
02When and where did the alleged offences occur?
The alleged indecent assaults are reported to have taken place between 1976 and 1983 in the areas of Eltham and Southwark. These allegations involve three alleged victims.
03What is Clive McCleester's background?
McCleester, 81, previously worked at a children's home in Eltham and a school near Basingstoke. He served as a verger at Southwark Cathedral from 1982 to 1992.
04What happens next in the case?
Clive McCleester has been remanded in custody. His case will next be heard at Woolwich Crown Court in October. The specific date for this appearance has not yet been confirmed.
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