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A Cheshire vicar and a woman he was having an affair with have been jailed for sexually abusing a child. Stephen Clapham, 61, was vicar at All Saints Church in Crewe and later in Church Lawton when he abused the child with Sally Shaw, 52, of Crewe.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said the pair began an affair in 2016 when Clapham, of Middlewich, was vicar at All Saints Church in Crewe, and the affair continued when he moved to All Saints in Church Lawton. Clapham and Shaw engaged in sexual activity in the presence of a child, then incited the child to become involved in their sexual activity.
Indecent photographs of the child were also taken by Shaw and distributed to Clapham. The abuse came to light when the child made disclosures to staff at school.
In 2021 both Clapham and Shaw were arrested. Clapham largely gave no comment interviews, aside from commenting on the indecent photographs, though Shaw made full admissions.
Both pleaded guilty and were sentenced yesterday (April 20) to four years in prison each. Clapham and Shaw will stay on the sex offenders’ register for life.
A Sexual Harm Prevention Order was also ordered by the Court and will also be in place for life. Restraining orders against Shaw and Clapham were also imposed in order to protect the victim.
A statement from the Diocese of Chester reads: "Upon receiving information about these matters in October 2021, the Bishop of Chester suspended the Revd Steve Clapham from all ministerial positions, including as Vicar of All Saints’ Church, Church Lawton; Rural Dean of Congleton; and Diocesan Ecumenical Officer in the Diocese of Chester. Steve Clapham later resigned from these roles."
Senior Crown Prosecutor Sarah Egan said: “Clapham was a vicar and held a position of trust and authority in the local community. He has abused that trust.
"These two people have put their own warped sexual interests above that of the welfare of the victim. This behaviour is completely inexcusable, but they have now been brought to justice.
“Their guilty pleas have avoided a trial, which is a positive outcome for the victim, and both have demonstrated remorse for their actions. The victim has shown immense strength and courage in coming forward to report this sexual abuse.
"We hope the conclusion of this case allows the victim to move forward and look to the future. We would like to thank the victim, witnesses, and the police and prosecution team for all their assistance and support in this matter.
“We would like to remind the public that offences of this nature are taken extremely seriously, and will be prosecuted were the tests in the Code for Crown Prosecutors are met. We would like to encourage anyone who has been a victim of crime to come forward."
Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Mark Tanner, said: “My thoughts and prayers are with all who have been traumatised by these events, especially the victim of Steve Clapham’s actions. Their bravery and strength of character have helped to convict a perpetrator of child sexual abuse.
“I cannot begin to express my shame and anger for the betrayal and pain that this young person has endured. I am sincerely sorry for what they have experienced and continue to live through.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the police and all who have worked to bring justice in this case, including our own safeguarding team. It is essential that those suffering harm know that they can ask for help and that they will be taken seriously.
“Everyone has the right to expect the highest levels of integrity and character from clergy in the Diocese of Chester. The Diocese of Chester is committed to fostering a safeguarding culture where all forms of church-related abuse are identified, reported, and addressed promptly and decisively.”
Detective Constable Laura Bradshaw of Cheshire Police said: “Firstly, I would like to praise the courage that the victim has shown throughout this case. Clapham held a position of trust and he took advantage of his standing in the parish and abused the trust of his parishioners by committing these crimes.
“Thankfully, as a result of the bravery shown by the victim, Clapham has now been held accountable and both he and Shaw are now behind bars. I hope this conviction encourages others to come forward if they have been subjected to abuse no matter how long ago. We do listen and we will support you whether that’s in going to court or in finding the appropriate services to assist you.
“Whilst the victim will never be able to forget about what happened, I hope the fact that Clapham and Shaw are now in prison and facing the consequences of their actions will provide the victim with some closure and enable them to begin to move forward with their lives."