Criminal investigation launched amid Presbyterian Church safeguarding concerns

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said his investigation team would make sure “perpetrators will be held to account”.

Police in Northern Ireland have launched a criminal investigation following safeguarding concerns in the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

Last week the Church’s moderator, Rev Trevor Gribben, resigned over “serious and significant failings” in safeguarding within the church between 2009 and 2022.

Speaking at a press conference in Belfast, Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: “Over the last number of days we have been working with statutory partners to formalise a co-ordinated response to address the matters that have come to light as a result of the recent announcement by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

READ MORE: Presbyterian Church has ‘work to do’ to regain trust after safeguarding failuresREAD MORE: PSNI statement after Presbyterian Church ‘safeguarding failures’

“My immediate priority and that of the PSNI is the protection and the safeguarding of anyone who may have been affected.

“In that regard I have established a dedicated PSNI investigation team under the supervision of an experienced senior investigating officer from our public protection branch.

“This officer will lead what I can confirm today will be a criminal investigation.”

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said his investigation team would make sure “perpetrators will be held to account”.

He said: “The role of the PSNI will be to investigate all criminal offences and to work closely with statutory partners under the joint protocol arrangements.

“That is to ensure victims can access the criminal justice process and perpetrators will be held to account.

“We would encourage anyone who is suffering or who is affected to speak with our dedicated investigative team who will be on hand to provide specialist advice and signposting to other key services.

“If I can speak directly to victims, I recognise that this may be difficult and you may not be ready. That is OK. We want to hear from you, you will be treated with sensitivity, with respect and with professionalism.

“PSNI is appealing to anyone who wishes to make a report or indeed to disclose information to contact police directly on our line 101 or through our dedicated email address.”

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland said it would be co-operating fully with the PSNI investigation.

A spokesperson said: “Having been informed by the Police Service of Northern Ireland that they have launched a criminal investigation, we welcome this believing it will provide a thorough, trusted and transparent outcome. We will co-operate fully with the investigation.

“We will make available all relevant files, reports and information to assist police with their inquiries.

“As a consequence of the PSNI’s announcement today of their investigation we will not be able to make any further comment related to the inquiry or aspects pertaining to it.”

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