Priest denies abusing boy

A Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing a young boy nearly 40 years ago has strenuously denied the allegations.
By The Newsroom
Published 7th Apr 2017, 16:44 BST
Updated 8th Apr 2017, 22:29 BST
Fr Michael HigginbottomFr Michael Higginbottom
Fr Michael Higginbottom

Father Michael Higginbottom told a jury that none of the allegations were true.

He also told Liverpool Crown Court that he did not even remember the alleged victim, who is now aged 52.

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The complainant has claimed that while he was a pupil at St Joseph’s College, a seminary for prospective priests, in Upholland, Higginbottom repeatedly seriously sexually assaulted him.

Fr Higginbottom, now aged 74, of West Farm Road, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, denies eight offences including indecent assault, alleged to have taken place between September 1978 and March 20, 1979.

He also disputed the man’s claims that he used a strap and cane on him as punishment.

He did agree he had used a Vandergraph generator, used to demonstrate electrostatics, and gave pupils a mild electric shock but said it always made them laugh.