Home / Series / Everyman / Aired Order / Season 1993 / Episode 9

Breach of Faith

Father Samuel Penney sexually abused children in parishes within the Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham for 25 years. He was arrested in July 1992 and convicted this March after three families gave evidence in his prosecution. Penney pleaded guilty to ten charges of indecent assault against boys and girls aged between 8 and 14. Everyman investigates why it took the Church so long to recognise Penney was a paedophile. In this film, the families speak out for the first time about the abuse they suffered. They say several officials within the Archdiocese of Birmingham knew of Penney's activities years before his prosecution. One parent says: "You never want to hear the word 'yes' when you ask your child about abuse." Last in the series.

English
  • Originally Aired May 23, 1993
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