Bishop of Northampton charged with rape of under age girl

Bishop David Oakley. Image: CBCEW

Source: Northampton Diocese, Staffordshire Police

Staffordshire Police announced today that Bishop David Oakley has been charged with two counts of rape of a female aged under 16.

In a statement Staffordshire Police said: "A man has been charged following an investigation by our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team.

"Bishop David James Oakley, 70, who is White British, of Desborough, Kettering, has been charged with two counts of rape a female under 16. It follows his arrest in September 2025 following an allegation made to police."

The Diocese of Northampton confirmed that Bishop David Oakley has been charged, "after an investigation into non-recent safeguarding allegations. We understand that this will be very distressing for all concerned but cannot comment further on an active legal process."

The diocese added: "If you have any safeguarding concerns please contact either our diocesan safeguarding team or the police directly. Our Safeguarding Team can be contacted on 01604 723514 /safeguarding@northamptondiocese.org.

"For further resources and support visit our dedicated webpage for victims and survivors and anyone hurt by abuse here.

Bishop Oakley stepped back from public ministry last year after the police investigation began.

Canon Michael Harrison, Vicar General, has been provisionally leading the governance of the diocese since then.

Bishop Oakley is due to appear at Cannock Magistrates' Court on 14 August.