Priest repeatedly sexually abused an underage boy.

Priest Jailed for Sex Offenses

A Catholic priest with "an unhealthy interest in adolescent boys" was sentenced to five years in prison for sexual offenses against a minor.

Father Peter Hooper, the parish priest at St Luke's the Physician in Bebington, was caught performing a sex act on an underage boy in the diocesan house where he lived. The 55-year-old pleaded guilty to 10 counts of sexual activity with a child.

The incident occurred during a social gathering at the diocesan house. Matthew Howard, a resident at the house, witnessed Hooper and the boy engaging in a sexual act through a window. Hooper was subsequently arrested and admitted to the offenses.

The victim, a 15-year-old boy, met Hooper through a band comprised entirely of priests. The boy, who cannot be named, described Hooper as a "father figure" and said he had gone to Hooper for help with personal problems.

Hooper's defense attorney argued that his client accepted full responsibility for his actions and was deeply remorseful. He also stated that Hooper had struggled with his sexuality for many years due to his faith.

Judge David Aubrey QC, however, emphasized the seriousness of the offenses and the betrayal of trust involved. He sentenced Hooper to five years in prison, ordered him to register as a sex offender, and banned him from working with children.

The Rt Rev. Mark Davies, Bishop of Shrewsbury, expressed the Catholic community's sorrow and horror at the offenses and the betrayal of trust. He stated that there is no place in the priesthood for those who harm the young.