Police probe fresh allegations against ex-bishop jailed for sexual offences

Police are investigating fresh allegations against a former bishop who was jailed for sexually abusing a boy.

Anthony Pierce, 85 – who was bishop of Swansea and Brecon between 1999 and 2008, was jailed last year for the offences.

He pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on a male child under the age of 16, committed while he was a parish priest in Swansea in the 1980s.

South Wales Police confirmed three further reports of offences dating back to the 1970s and 80s have been received since Pierce was sentenced to four years and one month in prison.

These reports remain under investigation.

It emerged after Pierce was jailed that a separate allegation of sexual abuse against him had been reported to senior figures in the Church in Wales in 1993, but was only reported to police in 2010.

By this time, the victim had died and police subsequently took no further action.

Detective Inspector Tom Richardson, of Swansea CID, said: “We know how difficult it must be for anyone to have suffered abuse in the past to come forward now.

“It was the bravery of the victim who reported Pierce’s actions which was instrumental in bringing him to justice.

“Since the conviction and sentencing of Pierce we have received reports from three people who have taken that first step in coming forward.

“We believe that there may be others who have been subject to Pierce’s crimes and we want to provide reassurance that any reports will be fully investigated and dealt with sensitively and with compassion.

“We recognise that coming forward can be daunting but would encourage victim-survivors to speak with us so they can get the support and help they deserve.”

Anyone with information can contact South Wales Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 2600140999.