A former priest has been committed to the Crown Court after denying historic charges relating to alleged child sexual abuse at a Christian camp on the Isle of Wight.
Magistrates' hearing and committal
The defendant, Anthony Callan-Travis, aged 80 and of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, appeared at Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 21 July. He pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault on a boy under 16 said to have occurred between 1 July 1981 and 30 September 1982.
The alleged incidents are reported to have taken place at the Crusaders Christian Camp, held at the Westbrook Centre in Ryde. All three counts are said to relate to the same complainant and to involve sexual touching and assault by the leader of the group, described in court reports by the informal title "
Padre".
Next court date and bail
Magistrates sent the case to Isle of Wight Crown Court for a pre-trial and preparation hearing listed for 17 August. The defendant was granted unconditional bail until that date.
- Defendant: Anthony Callan-Travis, 80, of Harrogate
- Allegations: three counts of indecent assault on a male under 16
- Timeframe alleged: 1 July 1981 to 30 September 1982
- Location alleged: Crusaders Christian Camp, Westbrook Centre, Ryde
Public interest and safeguarding context
Historic allegations of this nature are subject to particular public scrutiny because they concern vulnerable victims and institutions that serve children. The Westbrook Centre remains a known venue on the Island and the involvement of a person described as the group leader will draw attention from those concerned with safeguarding within faith-based and youth organisations.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Charges | 3 counts of indecent assault (same victim) |
| Period alleged | 1 July 1981 – 30 September 1982 |
| Next hearing | Pre-trial at Isle of Wight Crown Court, 17 August |
The Crown Court stage will determine whether the case proceeds to trial, and will involve preparation of evidence and disclosure to the defence. For local residents, the hearing will be a reminder of the long-term nature of investigations into historic abuse and the role that the courts play in examining such allegations.
There has been no reporting of any conviction in relation to these allegations; the defendant entered pleas of not guilty at magistrates' court, and he remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.
InfoRadar will continue to follow developments in the case and report on any further listings at the Crown Court, as well as any statements from police or prosecuting authorities when they are published.
