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IICSA published its final Report in October 2022. This website was last updated in January 2023.

IICSA Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

Anglican Church Case Studies: Chichester/Peter Ball Investigation Report

Annex 7: Tables of convictions and allegations against Peter Ball

Part 1: Table of convictions

Name of victim/complainant Date of alleged offence Age of victim/complainant at the relevant time Nature of allegation
Graham Sawyer 1977–1981 16–18 years

Graham Sawyer attended the Scheme when he was 16 or 17 years old. On one occasion during prayer, Peter Ball requested that he remove his clothes. He put his arms around Graham’s waist and shoulders, removed his jacket and started to unbutton his shirt. Graham then stopped him. He was over 18 years old at this time. It was alleged that Peter Ball made it clear that if Graham did not take all his clothes off, he would not sponsor him to go forward for ordination.

On 8 September 2015, Peter Ball pleaded guilty to this indecent assault. The agreed basis of plea stated that Peter Ball did not say that Graham’s attitude would affect his chances of being ordained.

AN-A117 1990 18 years

AN-A117 joined the Scheme when he was 18 years old. He was requested to take cold showers whilst Peter Ball watched him. Peter Ball also suggested a naked re- baptism. He was persuaded to hug Peter Ball whilst they were both naked and to roll around naked in the rain. He was beaten by Peter Ball on three occasions.

Peter Ball was charged with indecent assault. On 8 September 2015, he entered a guilty plea on an agreed basis, in which he accepted the beatings detailed in the case summary, and that he hugged and prayed naked with AN-A117.

AN-A111 1977 26 years

AN-A111 came to England to be part of a Christian community. He was living with Peter Ball as part of this enterprise. Peter Ball complained of muscle pain and asked AN-A111 to massage his legs. Peter Ball was naked from the waist down with a handkerchief covering his genitals. AN-A111 noticed that Peter Ball had an erection during the massage. He was surprised by this and left the room.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded guilty to this offence.

AN-A102 1977 15–17 years

When AN-A102 was 15 years old, Peter Ball conducted his confirmation. When he was 16 years old, he asked to meet Peter Ball for pastoral guidance. Peter Ball asked him to remove his clothing and stand naked in front of the vestry mirror. AN-A102 refused to comply with this request.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded guilty to this offence.

AN-A108 1979–1988 18–21 years

AN-A108 joined the Scheme when he was 18 years old. Peter Ball requested that they pray naked together and described himself as a father figure. AN-A108 initially declined to do so, but later left the Scheme and agreed to pray naked in the chapel. Peter Ball persuaded him that AN-A108’s lustful thoughts could be addressed if he allowed Peter Ball to anoint his genitals.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded guilty to this offence. The agreed basis of plea stated that he did not touch the genitalia of any complainant.

AN-A103 1979 18 years

When AN-A103 was a schoolboy at college, he visited Peter Ball for pastoral support. Peter Ball told him that he needed to experience pain. AN-A103 removed his own trousers and pants on request. He then felt uncomfortable and told Peter Ball to stop. No physical contact took place.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded guilty to this offence.

AN-A96 1980–1985 13–17 years

AN-A96 visited Peter Ball for pastoral guidance when he was 13 years old. He was asked to strip naked for a re-baptism but declined.

On later occasions when he was 17 years old, AN-A96 would sleep naked in bed with Peter Ball. AN-A96 would massage his crotch and Peter Ball would ejaculate.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded guilty to this offence. The agreed basis of plea stated that AN-A96 was at least 18 years old before any naked activity took place.

Peter Ball accepted as part of the agreed basis of plea that the offer of naked re- baptism was made when AN-A96 was 17 years old.

AN-A93 1980 16–17 years

AN-A93 spoke to Peter Ball when he was 16 or 17 years old, after Peter Ball came to his school to offer counselling sessions. AN-A93 was concerned about whether excessive masturbation could damage his eyesight. Peter Ball allegedly suggested that he should undress and masturbate in front of him. AN-A93 declined and no physical contact took place.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. The agreed basis of plea stated that Peter Ball did not masturbate any complainant or cause them to masturbate him, and that he did not touch the genitalia of any complainant or cause any complainant to touch his genitalia.

AN-A114 1980–1983 17–20 years

AN-A114 visited Peter Ball to discuss being ordained as a priest. Peter Ball asked him to strip naked as a sign of abandonment and commitment to God. AN-A114 refused to do so.

As part of the ordination process, he had to meet with Peter Ball again. During these meetings, Peter Ball repeatedly asked him to remove his clothes. AN-A114 declined these requests.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded guilty to this offence.

AN-A10 1982 21 years

Peter Ball knew AN-A10 and his family. AN-A10 sought pastoral guidance from him. Whilst they were in the study, Peter Ball allegedly suggested that they should masturbate each other. He allegedly removed his own upper clothing and placed AN-A10’s hand on his exposed stomach, just above his pubic line. He then moved his hand away.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded guilty to this offence. It is stated in the agreed basis of plea that Peter Ball did not masturbate any complainant or cause them to masturbate him.

AN-A104 1982–1983 18 years

AN-A104 joined the Scheme when he was 18 years old. At Peter Ball’s suggestion, they went to the chapel and took their clothes off. They embraced whilst naked. Afterwards, Peter Ball suggested that it would not be sensible to tell anyone else about it as they may misunderstand.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded guilty to this offence.

AN-A99 1982 23–24 years

AN-A99 was a member of the Scheme. As part of his initiation, he was persuaded to take off all his clothes and go to the chapel with Peter Ball. They caressed each other whilst naked.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded guilty to this offence.

AN-A7

(this witness gave evidence at the
Chichester hearing)

1985 22 years

AN-A7 was a member of the Scheme. He was aware that Peter Ball had a sore hip and offered to massage it. During the massage, Peter Ball moved his genitals to one side. He ejaculated and had a handkerchief ready. This took place on a number of occasions, and after some of them Peter Ball stated, “Can I do anything for you?” AN-A7 also removed his clothes in the chapel at Peter Ball’s request. They embraced whilst naked.

AN-A7 was also spanked with a slipper by Peter Ball and told that it would help him to reconnect with the Lord.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. The agreed basis of plea stated that Peter Ball did not masturbate any complainant or cause them to masturbate him, and that he did not touch the genitalia of any complainant or cause any complainant to touch his genitalia.

AN-A5 1985 21 years

AN-A5 joined the Scheme. He and other boys were taken into the chapel, where they removed all of their clothing. Peter Ball would then anoint various parts of his body, including his lower back and allegedly his pubic area.

The agreed basis of plea stated that Peter Ball did not masturbate any complainant or cause them to masturbate him, and that he did not touch the genitalia of any complainant or cause any complainant to touch his genitalia.

AN-A8

(this witness gave evidence at the
Chichester hearing)

1987 23 years

AN-A8 joined the Scheme in September 1987. The following incidents then occurred:

  1. Peter Ball suggested that he could get somebody to whip AN-A8 across the back with his belt.
  2. Peter Ball and AN-A8 said penitential psalms together whilst naked. They would put their arms around each other and lie on the floor. When this occurred, Peter Ball would point out that he had an erection.
  3. AN-A8 slept in Peter Ball’s bedroom. Peter Ball had an erection and ejaculated.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. He pleaded guilty to this offence.

AN-A106 1982 16 years

AN-A106 joined the Scheme when he was 16 years old. He was requested to undergo an initiation, which involved undressing in front of the altar and lying on the floor. Peter Ball stroked his torso, arms and legs.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded guilty to this offence.

Neil Todd 1991–1992 18 years

Neil Todd applied to join the Scheme when he was 17 years old. He visited Peter Ball at his address. It is alleged that Peter Ball took him to the chapel at midnight, where he told him that they should say the psalms naked in order to feel the cold. It is alleged that he would stare at Neil Todd whilst he was naked. It is alleged that Neil Todd then took a cold shower whilst Peter Ball watched him.

When Neil Todd was 18 years old, he went to stay with Peter Ball again. In September 1992, it is alleged that Peter Ball suggested that Neil should agree to be beaten whilst naked with a stick or a whip. A date was set for this beating, but it never took place. This is because Neil Todd relayed the suggestion to the bishop’s chauffeur and his wife, who then took him to France on holiday.

Following the trip to France, Neil Todd returned to Peter Ball’s residence. That night, Peter Ball came to his room and both of them removed their clothes. Peter Ball kissed and caressed Neil’s body. He also took hold of his penis. Peter Ball then kissed him on the lips.

Neil Todd visited Peter Ball’s home again in October 1992. A further incident took place in Peter Ball’s study. Both men were naked. They caressed and embraced. Both had erections and when Neil Todd’s elbow made accidental contact with Peter Ball’s penis, Peter Ball ejaculated.

On 8 March 1993, Peter Ball was cautioned for one offence of gross indecency against Neil Todd.

 

Part 2: Table of allegations

Please note that these allegations have never been the subject of adjudication nor have they been admitted by Peter Ball.
It is not the purpose of this Inquiry to determine the truth or otherwise of these allegations.
 

Name of victim/complainant Date of alleged offence Age of victim/complainant at relevant time Nature of allegation
AN-A2 1985 15–16 years

In April 1985, AN-A2 was suspended from school. It is alleged that he was sent to stay with Peter Ball in Litlington to await his exams at the end of May. He then remained at Litlington until late August.

It is alleged that one night, Peter Ball entered his room and climbed into bed with him. He hugged him from behind and then left. It is further alleged that after approximately one week of visits to AN-A2’s bedroom, Peter Ball began masturbating in the bed and ejaculating. These nightly visits allegedly continued for around three months.

Peter Ball was charged with indecent assault. He pleaded not guilty to this offence. The Crown did not pursue the case and the offence was left to lie on file.

AN-A98 1985 18 years

AN-A98 was a member of the Scheme. It is alleged that a number of incidents took place over several years:

  1. Anointment of his genitals by Peter Ball.
  2. Massaging Peter Ball when he had an erection.
  3. Praying naked with Peter Ball.
  4. Embracing each other in bed when they were both naked.
  5. Being touched on the genitals by Peter Ball.
  6. Being asked to touch Peter Ball.
  7. Mutual masturbation.
  8. Being beaten with the wooden part of a clothes brush, sometimes until he bled.

In March 1993, the Crown Prosecution Service advised against charging Peter Ball with any offences in relation to AN-A98.

In April 2014, AN-A98 informed Sussex Police that he did not wish to support a prosecution of Peter Ball.

AN-A115 1981 22–23 years

AN-A115 was seeking ordination and it is alleged that Peter Ball visited him at his home where he was asked to strip naked and pray. Peter Ball remained clothed. They allegedly embraced around the shoulder and there followed a strange conversation about masturbation.

AN-A105 1987 25 years

AN-A105 travelled to England in 1985 and joined the Scheme. In August 1987, it is alleged that Peter Ball requested that they pray together in the chapel. It is also alleged that Peter Ball removed all of his own clothing. It is alleged that he embraced AN-A105 and kissed him on the cheek. It is alleged that Peter Ball talked about his love of the New Testament scripture, making reference to “leaving old being behind and receiving a new being”. It is alleged that AN-A105 was puzzled and told Peter Ball that he preferred females.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. According to the agreed basis of plea, the Crown agreed not to open the complaint by AN-A105.

AN-A116 1979–1980 22–23 years

AN-A116 was sent to Litlington by his parents when he was 16 or 17 years old. He returned to Litlington in 1979–1980, when he was 22 or 23 years old. It is alleged that during a one-to-one meeting in the study, Peter Ball asked him to strip naked before God. AN-A116 refused to do so.

Following the advice of the Crown Prosecution Service in 2015 no charges were pursued relating to this complainant.

AN-A97 1969 21 years

AN-A97 joined the Community of the Glorious Ascension in 1967. This was before Peter Ball was appointed as a Bishop. The following incidents took place during 1969:

  1. AN-A97 massaged Peter Ball.
  2. AN-A97 beat Peter Ball with a slipper.
  3. Peter Ball beat AN-A97 with a slipper.

It was also alleged that:

  1. Peter Ball watched AN-A97 masturbate.
  2. AN-A97 watched Peter Ball masturbate.
  3. Peter Ball masturbated AN-A97.
  4. AN-A97 masturbated Peter Ball.

In the agreed basis of plea, Peter Ball accepted that his consensual relationship with AN-A97 was one in which he took advantage of a vulnerable young man who looked upon the defendant as a spiritual leader. Accordingly the facts would be opened as part of the relevant background of the facts to the case, but did not form part of the misconduct in a public office.

AN-A113   16 years

AN-A113 attended Litlington to seek spiritual advice, having been sexually abused by his father and another individual. Peter Ball allegedly encouraged him to sit on his lap, during which time Peter Ball had an erection.

AN-A120   17–18 years

AN-A120 was a member of the Scheme. It is alleged that whilst in the chapel, Peter Ball stroked his penis and anointed it with oil.

AN-A120 did not wish to support a prosecution as Peter Ball had already been convicted for similar offences.

AN-A119 1996 16–17 years

AN-A119 played squash with Peter Ball. It is alleged that Peter Ball exposed his penis to AN-A119 on the squash court. On another occasion, Peter Ball allegedly touched AN- A119’s genital area in the changing rooms.

This alleged offence took place three years after Peter Ball had been cautioned by Gloucestershire Constabulary.

AN-A119 informed Sussex Police that he did not wish to pursue his complaint as this would involve people close to him and his family members having to give evidence.

AN-A118 1974–1975 20–22 years

Whilst at the Community of the Glorious Ascension in Somerset, AN-A118 approached Peter Ball to discuss a sexual problem. Peter Ball allegedly suggested that he debase himself. It is alleged that this was done whilst Peter Ball watched. After the incident, Peter Ball allegedly instructed AN- A118 not to tell anyone what had happened.

AN-A118 said that his report was made to Sussex Police for information only. He did not wish to pursue his complaint.

Philip Johnson 1978 12–13 years

Philip Johnson was at a confirmation class with Roy Cotton. Peter Ball was also in attendance. It was alleged that after the class, the three of them returned to Roy Cotton’s vicarage where Peter Ball grabbed Philip Johnson and pulled him onto his lap. It was further alleged that he then stroked his inner thigh and genitals over clothing. This was alleged to have been done in front of Roy Cotton.

Peter Ball was charged with indecent assault. On 8 September 2015, he pleaded not guilty to this offence.

As part of the agreed basis of plea, the Crown did not pursue the case and the offence was left to lie on file.

Gary Johnson 1983 12 years

Gary Johnson alleges that he first met Peter Ball when he was eight or nine years old. When Gary was 12, Peter Ball confirmed him. After the service, a reception was held at the local church hall. It is alleged that Peter Ball sat down and pulled Gary Johnson onto his lap, placed his right arm around Gary’s stomach with a firm grip. It is further alleged that he then put his hands on either side of Gary’s waist and guided him to his feet.

Peter Ball was charged with misconduct in public office. In the agreed basis of plea, the prosecution agreed not to open the complaint by Gary Johnson.

AN-A107 1977–1979 12–14 years

AN-A107 is transgender and identified as a boy at the time of the abuse. She alleged there were three occasions during which she was touched by Peter Ball on her chest and groin areas.

The first incident of alleged abuse occurred when she was 12 years old: Peter Ball rubbed her clothed genitals in the vestry. The second alleged incident was at Chichester Cathedral when she was 13 years old; he touched and squeezed her chest and groin. It is alleged that he repeated this assault on a third occasion in church.

In her second interview, she also alleged a single incident not previously mentioned in which she was taken to a house and buggered by Peter Ball and another priest.

Following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service, no charges were pursued relating to this complainant.

AN-A87 1979–1987 9–17 years

Whilst on a weekend trip to Old Cleeve, AN-A87 allegedly visited a monastery which was used by the Community of the Glorious Ascension. Whilst there he was introduced to Peter Ball who took him to a chapel within the barn and made him strip naked and lie on the chapel floor. He alleged that Peter Ball beat him with a stick, after which he dressed again in choir robes. He alleges that he was tied up by Peter Ball and anally raped whilst face down over a table.

AN-A87 told Avon and Somerset Police that he did not want the matter investigated further and provided reasons for his decision.

 

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