A vicar, Stephen Clapham, from Cheshire and his paramour, Sally Shaw, have been incarcerated for the sexual abuse of a minor. Stephen Clapham, 61, served as vicar at All Saints Church in Crewe and subsequently at Church Lawton, where he perpetrated assault against a child alongside Sally Shaw, 52, of Crewe.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) reported that the couple commenced an affair in 2016 when Stephen Clapham, residing in Middlewich, served as vicar at All Saints Church in Crewe, and the affair persisted following his relocation to All Saints in Church Lawton. Stephen Clapham and Sally Shaw participated in sexual acts in the presence of a youngster and then encouraged the child to partake in their sexual activities.
Sally Shaw allegedly captured indecent images of the youngster and sent them around Stephen Clapham. The maltreatment was revealed when the child confided in school personnel.
Stephen Clapham and Sally Shaw were both apprehended in 2021. Clapham primarily refrained from talking during interviews, except about the lewd images, although Sally Shaw made comprehensive admissions.
Both pleaded guilty and were sentenced yesterday (April 20) to four years in prison each. Stephen Clapham and Sally Shaw will stay on the sex offenders’ register for life.
A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also ordered by the Court and will also be in place for life. Restraining orders against Sally Shaw and Stephen Clapham were also imposed in order to protect the victim.
A statement from the Diocese of Chester reads: “Upon receiving information about these matters in October 2021, the Bishop of Chester suspended the Revd Steve Clapham from all ministerial positions, including as Vicar of All Saints’ Church, Church Lawton; Rural Dean of Congleton; and Diocesan Ecumenical Officer in the Diocese of Chester. Steve Clapham later resigned from these roles.”
Senior Crown Prosecutor Sarah Egan said: “Stephen Clapham was a vicar and held a position of trust and authority in the local community. He has abused that trust.
“These two people have put their own warped sexual interests above that of the welfare of the victim. This behaviour is completely inexcusable, but they have now been brought to justice.
“Their guilty pleas have avoided a trial, which is a positive outcome for the victim, and both have demonstrated remorse for their actions. The victim has shown immense strength and courage in coming forward to report this sexual abuse.
“We hope the conclusion of this case allows the victim to move forward and look to the future. We would like to thank the victim, witnesses, and the police and prosecution team for all their assistance and support in this matter.
“We would like to remind the public that offences of this nature are taken extremely seriously, and will be prosecuted were the tests in the Code for Crown Prosecutors are met. We would like to encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime to come forward.”
Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Mark Tanner, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with all who have been traumatised by these events, especially the victim of Steve Clapham’s actions. Their bravery and strength of character have helped to convict a perpetrator of child sexual abuse.
“I cannot begin to express my shame and anger for the betrayal and pain that this young person has endured. I am sincerely sorry for what they have experienced and continue to live through.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the police and all who have worked to bring justice in this case, including our own safeguarding team. It is essential that those suffering harm know that they can ask for help and that they will be taken seriously.
“Everyone has the right to expect the highest levels of integrity and character from clergy in the Diocese of Chester. The Diocese of Chester is committed to fostering a safeguarding culture where all forms of church-related abuse are identified, reported, and addressed promptly and decisively.”
Detective Constable Laura Bradshaw of Cheshire Police said: “Firstly, I would like to praise the courage that the victim has shown throughout this case. Stephen Clapham held a position of trust and he took advantage of his standing in the parish and abused the trust of his parishioners by committing these crimes.
“Thankfully, as a result of the bravery shown by the victim, Stephen Clapham has now been held accountable and both he and Shaw are now behind bars. I hope this conviction encourages others to come forward if they have been subjected to abuse no matter how long ago. We do listen and we will support you whether that’s in going to court or in finding the appropriate services to assist you.
“Whilst the victim will never be able to forget about what happened, I hope the fact that Stephen Clapham and Sally Shaw are now in prison and facing the consequences of their actions will provide the victim with some closure and enable them to begin to move forward with their lives.”
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.