Church compensates child abuse victims

The Church has paid an undisclosed amount in compensation to victims of a priest convicted of child sex abuse. Fr Michael Hill was jailed for five years in 1997 for 10 incidents involving young boys. Fr Michael had been a parish priest in Arundel and Brighton Diocese. His licence was revoked after complaints from parents. He underwent counselling and psychotherapy and was then appointed as chaplain to Gatwick airport. Another incident took place there, involving a child with learning difficulties, and the police were alerted. A church spokesman said the settlements had been made in order to save the victims and their families the ordeal of having to give evidence in court. He also said that the payment did not constitute an admission of liability.