Former priest Philip Temple admitted series of offences in the seventies

A former children’s home worker employed by Wandsworth Council has been sentenced to a total of 12 years in prison having pleaded guilty to 27 counts of non-recent sexual assault and two counts of perjury.

Philip Temple, 66, of no fixed address, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court had earlier pleaded guilty to seven counts of non-recent sexual assault.

Temple was employed by Wandsworth Borough Council where he worked at care homes in Woking Close and at Hartfield House between 1972 and 1974. He was also employed by Lambeth Borough Council between 1974 and 1977 where he worked at Rowan House in Shirley Oaks, Croydon. Over a five-year period - between those dates - Temple carried out the offences against male and female victims residing in the care homes.

After working in care homes in the 1970s Temple changed career path to become a priest and served at Christ the King Monastery, Vita Et Pax in Cockfosters where he abused two alter boys at the church. One of these victims made allegations that led to two trials during which Temple perjured himself by continually maintaining his innocence. Temple has since pleaded guilty to perjury in relation to those proceedings.

An investigation was launched by detectives from the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse (SOECA) Command after information was received by officers that implicated Temple in multiple offences.

Temple was arrested on 6 July 2015. He appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, 6 April where he pleaded guilty to 20 counts of non-recent sexual assault and two counts of perjury. He pleaded not guilty to five counts of indecent assault. Temple then appeared for trial at Woolwich Crown Court today where he pleaded guilty to the remaining charges. He is due to be sentenced this Wednesday (10 August).

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Wingrave, of the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said, “Temple was employed to care for the vulnerable children whose trust he betrayed by subjecting them to abuse. We take very seriously any allegations of sexual abuse reported to us. If anyone believes they have been a victim I would urge them to contact the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command on 020 8217 6582. We have specially trained officers who are here to listen, investigate, and bring offenders to justice. Alternatively you can contact police via 101. In an emergency always dial 999."

August 12, 2016