Priest Accused Of Raping Woman More Than 30 Years Ago To Stand Trial

A priest, Rev. John Anthony Clohosey, accused of raping a woman more than 30 years ago will now stand trial next year according to reports.

Rev. Clohosey was a priest at Our Lady Immaculate and St Cuthbert’s RC Church in Crook, County Durham until he was suspended last year when he was accused by a woman of raping her more than 30 years.

The 71-year-old priest is alleged to have sexually attacked the woman in Gateshead in 1986.

He did not appear before Newcastle Crown Court on Friday due to the coronavirus pandemic, but his barrister indicated he would have pleaded not guilty if he had been at the hearing.  His trial will now take place at Newcastle Crown Court on May 17, 2021.