Dennis Finbow 77

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Police believe a former Catholic priest who sexually abused children over decades may have additional victims yet to come forward.

Dennis Finbow, 77, who served in Peterborough and St Neots, Cambridgeshire, was jailed for 11 years on Friday for 15 indecent assaults on five victims, most under 16 at the time.

Finbow, formerly of Martlesham near Ipswich, was already serving a six-and-a-half-year sentence for abusing a young girl in the 1980s.

"I believe people are out there who perhaps have been offended against, who have not come forward because they may be following this case intently, perhaps seeking some closure," said Det Con Annette Renwick.

"Some are going to be parents, grandparents now. We're talking decades ago that this happened for some people. I think they've no intention of unlocking that box and that trauma that comes with it… and that's OK."

Renwick, who led the investigations, noted one accuser died before justice was served.

Finbow was a prominent community figure in the 1980s and 1990s, known for work in schools, hospitals, charities, and children's social clubs.

"So, a very well-known and respected figure. But there was a darker side as well," she added.

"As we found out… with that role of respect and trust, unfortunately, there was a side where he was able to exploit that trust with children that he came into contact with."

Finbow left active ministry in 2001. He initially denied the allegations, calling the investigation a "witch hunt," claiming grudges, insisting he was a "good priest," and alleging a conspiracy, per Renwick.

After a January 2023 trial at Huntingdon Crown Court, he was placed on the sex offenders register for life.

In December 2024, Pope Francis removed his clerical status following the convictions.

The Diocese of East Anglia stated it fully cooperated with police and safeguarding authorities.