A former priest, David Leslie Crowley, in North and West Yorkshire has received an additional term of eight and a half years in prison for sexual offences against minors.
David Leslie Crowley, 69, is currently serving an 18-year sentence (extended by two years) at HMP Full Sutton for 13 analogous offences committed between 1979 and 1985. Crowley appeared at Leeds Crown Court on Monday, June 19, and admitted to an additional 15 counts.
The offences occurred from 1982 to 1993 while David Leslie Crowley served as a priest at St William’s RC Church in Bradford, Our Lady of Lourdes in Huddersfield, and St Mary’s and St Michael’s RC Church in Settle. Five individuals were victimised.
David Leslie Crowley exploited his clerical power to manipulate the lads, engaging them in excursions, bestowing gifts, providing drink and food, and frequenting bars. Several victims emerged following media reports of Crowley’s prior offences.
The abuse he suffered caused one victim to experience flashbacks and to attempt suicide as an adult and left another with drug and alcohol dependence. Graham Guest from the CPS said: “David Leslie Crowley flagrantly abused his position of authority and trust within the communities he served to commit vile offences against young boys, leaving many of them with lifelong trauma.
“The true extent of his offending when he was in holy orders is now becoming clear. It is difficult to imagine a more appalling breach of trust and complete betrayal of the values of his priestly vocation. Our thoughts remain with his victims, as they have been throughout.”
In 1998 David Leslie Crowley was given an 11-year sentence for 15 sex offences against young boys. The latest sentence will be served consecutively
Detective Inspector Oliver Coates, of Kirklees Child Safeguarding Unit, West Yorkshire Police, added: “This conviction follows a lengthy and comprehensive investigation by DC Moorhouse into the West Yorkshire offences. It ensures that this dangerous man will remain behind bars where he belongs.
“These offences were reported to the police many years after they occurred, and I hope the work that has been done to bring David Leslie Crowley to justice shows that we will investigate historic offending. I would urge anyone who has been the victim of sexual offences, whether recent or non-recent, to report it. By doing so, we can ensure that you are supported and get the justice you deserve.”
DC Suzanne Hall, of North Yorkshire Police’s Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team, said: “David Leslie Crowley’s appalling offences were committed decades ago – but the passage of time cannot ease the pain and anguish suffered by the victims. I want to praise the courage of the victims in this case, and I hope today’s result provides some comfort to them.
“This case proves that it is never too late to come forward to report non-recent sexual abuse. The Non-Recent Abuse Investigation Team at North Yorkshire Police is equipped to support victims at every stage – they will be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect throughout.”
If you or anyone you know have been affected by the people highlighted in this article, then please report those individuals to the Police on 111 (999 if an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details of the options for reporting a crime. You can also make a report at Crimestoppers should you wish to be completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.