Former Priest Sentenced to Eight and a Half Years for Sex Offences Against Boys

David Leslie Crowley, 69, has been sentenced to an additional eight and a half years in prison for sex offences against young boys. He is already serving an 18-year sentence (extended by two years) at HMP Full Sutton for similar offences committed between 1979 and 1985.

Crowley appeared before Leeds Crown Court on Monday, June 19, and pleaded guilty to 15 further offences. These crimes took place between 1982 and 1993 when Crowley was 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.

The offences involved five victims. Crowley abused his position of authority as a priest to groom the boys, taking them on day trips, showering them with gifts, alcohol, and food, and visiting pubs. Some of the victims came forward due to media coverage of Crowley's previous convictions.

The abuse inflicted on the victims had lasting consequences, causing one to experience flashbacks and attempt suicide as an adult, while another developed drug and alcohol dependence.

Graham Guest from the CPS stated, "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, Crowley was sentenced to 11 years 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 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."