Christopher Brain: Sheffield priest in court to face 34 sexual abuse charges

Christopher Brain, seen here leaving court, led a movement called the Nine O'Clock Service during the 1980s and 1990s

A priest who led an evangelical movement has appeared in court to face allegations of sexual offences against former members of his congregation.

The Reverend Christopher Brain, 66, of Wilmslow, led the Nine O'Clock Service in Sheffield between 1986 and 1995.

Mr Brain appeared on Monday at Sheffield Magistrates' Court where he faced 34 charges in relation to 11 women, including a charge of rape.

He is next due to appear at Sheffield Crown Court on 15 April.

The charges relate to allegations of sexual offences committed against women who had joined the movement, South Yorkshire Police previously said.

Mr Brain is charged with one count of rape and 33 counts of indecent assault, alleged to have been committed between 1981 and 1995, court documents showed.

During a four-minute hearing, Mr Brain was told by the judge the charge of rape was so serious it could only be heard at the city's crown court.

The Nine O'Clock Service was initially held at St Thomas's Church, in the Crookes area of Sheffield, before moving to Ponds Forge sport complex in the city centre.