Downside Abbey monk accused of indecent assault

A monk accused of sexual offences against a boy aged 13 has appeared at Yeovil Magistrates Court.

Richard White, 65, is charged with six counts of indecently assaulting a boy and four charges of gross indecency.

The offences are alleged to have happened more than 20 years ago at the Roman Catholic Downside School in Stratton-on-the-Fosse, Somerset, where he was a monk and a teacher.

He has now been bailed to appear at Taunton Crown Court next month.

The monk, who gave his address as Downside Abbey, is not allowed under his bail conditions to go there during term time or when anyone aged under 16 is there.