Warning: the following content relates to allegations of abuse and could be both upsetting and triggering.
Jonathan Fletcher will not face criminal trial for indecent assault and grievous bodily harm with intent after a judge decided he was unfit to plea.
Fletcher, a former vicar of Emmanuel Church, Wimbledon, was due to stand trial in May 2026 on eight counts of indecent assault on an adult male and one charge of grievous bodily harm with intent. The counts represent 17 separate allegations. Fletcher, 83, had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.
On 2 December, a judge sitting at Kingston Crown Court ruled that Fletcher was not fit to enter a plea. A fact-finding hearing before a jury is expected to take place instead of a trial in May 2026, but Fletcher will play no part in proceedings.
The fact-finding hearing will determine whether or not Fletcher committed any of the alleged acts. If not, he will be acquitted; but if the jury decides he did commit an act – the judge will have a range of options, including an absolute discharge or a hospital order.
In 2021 a thirtyone:eight safeguarding review of Fletcher’s tenure at Emmanuel Church Wimbledon followed multiple complainants of harmful behaviour by him spanning more than 40 years. They included allegations of spiritual, emotional and psychological abuse and at least one serious incident of a sexual nature.
Help and support
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this story, help is available via: FearFree Support (www.fearfree.org.uk); the Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 / safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk; The Samaritans helpline - 116 123; The National Association for People Abused in Childhood napac.org.uk.
