Meleri Grug Williams of BBC News reported from Swansea Crown Court that Anthony Pierce, a former bishop, has been sentenced to four years and one month in prison for sexually abusing a boy over a five-year period while he was a priest. Pierce, who served as bishop of Swansea and Brecon from 1999 to 2008, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on a child under 16. The offenses, including sexual touching, occurred between 1985 and 1990 while Pierce was a parish priest in West Cross, Swansea.
During the sentencing, Judge Catherine Richards emphasized that Pierce had exploited the victim’s age and the trust placed in him. The victim, in a statement read in court, expressed how he felt during the abuse, stating an overwhelming sense of embarrassment and low self-esteem as a result of the trauma. However, after speaking out, he felt a sense of relief and freedom from the hold the experience had over him for years.
South Wales Police confirmed that Pierce has also been subjected to a sexual harm prevention order and will be on the sex offenders register for life. The prosecutor highlighted that the abuse was completely uninvited and unwanted, reflecting a gross abuse of trust by someone expected to uphold respect and responsibility. Pierce, who was honored with memberships in the orders of St John in recognition of charitable services, has since been removed from the organization. Additionally, his honorary fellowship from Swansea University is under review following the recent developments
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