Former clergyman of a 'sect' religious organization to be re-tried on five counts of sexual misconduct offenses
Christopher Brain, a former priest, will face a retrial on five outstanding sexual offence charges, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced. The retrial will take place at Inner London Crown Court, where Brain was previously found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault but cleared of a further 15.
The charges include one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault, and involve 13 women as victims, as previously stated. The alleged offences occurred during the years Brain led the Nine O'Clock Service evangelical movement, which was part of the Church of England, between 1986 and 1995 in Sheffield.
During the original trial, it was revealed that the Nine O'Clock Service group was aimed at younger people and presented itself as a progressive force for good. However, witnesses reported seeing Brain surrounded by attractive women in lingerie at his home, serving his needs. Prosecutors claimed the group became a cult where Brain abused his position to exert control over the lives of his female followers.
Brain did not attend the hearing, and the responsibility to oversee him during the retrial for five outstanding rape charges lies with the assigned legal guardian or court-appointed supervisor. The jury in the original trial was unable to reach a verdict on four counts of indecent assault and one of rape.
The retrial will take place at the same court where the original trial took place. The case has been adjourned until October 2 for a further case management hearing.
It is important to note that Brain was previously on trial for these charges, and the group had a "homebase team" known as "the Lycra Lovelies" or "the Lycra Nuns." Last month, he was found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault but cleared of a further 15.
As the case progresses, we will continue to provide updates on the developments.
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