Former priest who abused boys as young as five in his London church jailed

A former priest who abused a number of boys as young as five in south-east London has been jailed.

James Murphy, 77, has been sentenced to 31 months in prison over indecent assault against four victims, aged between five and 11, which took place between 1975 and 1988.

The Met’s investigation into Murphy began in 2019, when one of the victims came forward to report him to their local police station.

Officers found Murphy had other victims too, with some offences taking place at his former church in Sydenham, south east London, and in the wider community where he was “a trusted figurehead”.

Victims gave witness statements to police, recounting “painful and difficult” details about their ordeals.

Murphy, who had moved to Alders Mallow, in County Cork, Ireland, was interviewed twice by Met officers who travelled to interview him during the Covid pandemic.

At Inner London Crown Court on February 16, Murphy pleaded guilty to seven offences of indecent assault, which took place between 1975 and 1988 and related to four victims aged between five and 11 years old.

The court also heard Murphy has previously been convicted of 11 counts of indecent assault, against five boys, back in 1977.

On Monday (April 29) he was sentenced to 31 months in jail, at Inner London Crown Court.

PC Helen French, from Central Specialist Crime, who led the investigation, said: “I want to acknowledge the bravery of the victims, whose courage has been unwavering throughout this process.

“Coming forward is not only a tribute to their strength, but serves as a sign to any other victims that they will be listened to and supported.

“Murphy used his position of power as a priest to prey on and take advantage of young boys – and some of their lives have been swathed with despair and anger, ridden with frustration and pain.

“I’d like to thank the dedicated team of officers who helped secure justice – their dedication has been extraordinary.

“I would encourage anyone who has been a victim of abuse, to come forward and get the help they so rightly deserve.”