Former Bishop Anthony Pierce jailed for four years

Anthony Pierce, the former Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, has been sentenced to four years and one month in prison after pleading guilty to five counts of indecent assault on a male child under the age of 16. 

The offences occurred between 1987 and 1989, when Pierce was a parish priest at Holy Cross Church in West Cross, Swansea. 

The victim, who was 14 at the time the abuse began, had been christened by Pierce as a baby and would visit the church to practice on the piano and organ. It was during these visits that Pierce initiated the abuse. In a statement read to the court, the victim described feeling “an overwhelming sense of embarrassment and shame” and expressed that the abuse had a profound impact on his self-esteem, relationships, and overall well-being. 

Judge Catherine Richards, presiding over the case at Swansea Crown Court, highlighted the breach of trust, stating that Pierce “exploited” his position as a church leader. She noted that any parent or adult at the time would have trusted their child with Pierce, expecting him to act in accordance with his professed Christian values. Instead, he groomed and abused the victim, leaving lasting trauma. 

The Church in Wales responded to the sentencing with a statement acknowledging the severity of Pierce’s actions and the profound breach of trust they represented. They expressed deep regret for the pain inflicted on the victim and confirmed that Pierce would face a church disciplinary tribunal, with the current Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, the Rt Revd John Lomas, seeking his removal from Holy Orders. 

David Hawkins, a specialist in Child Abuse law with Biscoes said “This is yet another case where an individual from a religious institution has abused the trust placed in them and caused their victim lifelong harm.   It shows the importance that institutions should put in place real safeguarding measures and change their culture.  In addition, institutions need to adopt the recommendations made by The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in order to address the failings that we see too often. Pierce’s victim showed real courage in coming forward, and this may hopefully enable others to do the same.”

No one should have to suffer in silence. If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse, you are not alone. Our specialist team is here to provide confidential, no-obligation advice about your legal rights and options.
📞 Call the team on 0800 413 463 or 📧 Email them via info@biscoes-law.co.uk