Former priest Chris Brain guilty of raping and assaulting women

Brain’s trials heard at least two members of clergy had raised concerns about him with the Diocese of Sheffield years before he was stopped.

After Brain was first convicted in August 2025, the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Rev Dr Pete Wilcox, apologised for “institutional failures” and announced an independent safeguarding into its response.

In a statement following the latest verdicts on Friday, he said: “My first thoughts today are with the women whose courage brought this retrial to a conclusion. They have now given evidence, in full, not once but twice.

“I am acutely conscious of the cost it has had for them.

“Last year I offered an unreserved apology for the abuse of power and leadership that took place within the Nine O’Clock Service. Today’s verdict adds to that same picture, and my apology stands in full.”

Lawyer Richard Scorer, who is representing the women in civil action against the Church of England, called Brain a “serial abuser”.

“But we mustn’t forget that he was fast-tracked to ordination, supported, promoted and protected by the Church of England,” he added.

“A full accounting of their role in this appalling saga is long overdue and must now follow.”

Julie Moss, senior crown prosecutor for Yorkshire and Humberside, said Brain had perpetrated “a disturbing campaign of manipulation and abuse”.

She added: “Victims were isolated from their loved ones, made financially and emotionally dependent on the group, and made to believe that resistance to Brain’s sexual advances reflected their own personal or spiritual failings.”

Det Supt Eleanor Welsh, of South Yorkshire Police, said: “These women have waited three or four decades for these verdicts and bravely relived their ordeals in a bid to secure justice.”

Judge Freya Newbury said victims would be given the chance to deliver impact statements at a sentencing hearing, which is likely to take two days.