Further allegations emerge about the late David Fletcher

Further allegations have been made against the late David Fletcher since three women accused him of sexual abuse over a period of many years. Fletcher was instrumental in the cover-up of the abuses perpetrated by the late John Smyth.

It looks likely an external body will be commissioned to undertake an independent investigation into Fletcher. He was a former rector at St Ebbe’s, Oxford and remained a congregant until his death in 2022.

In February, the Diocese of Oxford confirmed that, after publication of the Makin Review into Smyth, information had been received about “sexual abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour concerning [Fletcher] towards women and girls.”

The leadership at St Ebbe’s promptly published a statement, followed by a second statement (jointly with the Diocese of Oxford) a fortnight later clarifying certain issues.

According to the second statement, St Ebbe’s received a report in 2017 from two women about Fletcher being “inappropriately tactile with them”. He was told to avoid physical contact that had any possibility of being considered inappropriate.

In 2019, they received a “third-hand report” from another woman. This was referred to the Diocesan Safeguarding Team (DST) who advised it did not meet the threshold for further action.

The statement continues: “In 2021, St Ebbe’s heard indirectly of a couple who had approached David Fletcher to confront him about his behaviour some years previously.” The couple were contacted and encouraged to make a report to the Diocese, which they did. David Fletcher was seriously ill at this point and, as he was no longer attending church, no further action was taken.

In response to a request for clarification, a spokesperson for the Diocese of Oxford said: “The 2017 complaint was handled by St Ebbe’s when first reported. When further disclosures were received, St Ebbe’s then referred to the DST.”

The statement also confirmed that more allegations about Fletcher involving adult women have now been received. The Diocese would not say how many allegations it has received to protect those making disclosures.

However, the statement confirms that the St Ebbe’s leadership have sought external advice and are proposing to the PCC that an external body be involved.

St Ebbe’s said anyone who wishes to make a disclosure can contact the Safeguarding Team, the Diocese of Oxford Safeguarding Team, or Safe Spaces.