Former Sussex vicar faces historical sex abuse charges

Colin Pritchard is accused of seven offences against a boy

A former Anglican priest has been charged with sex offences against a boy in the 1980s and 1990s.

Ifor Whittaker, 72, formerly known as Colin Pritchard, is charged with seven offences involving the boy, who was aged between 12 and 16 at the time.

He is accused of conspiring with ex-clergyman Roy Cotton, who has since died, to commit sex acts with the boy.

Mr Whittaker, of Rectory Road, Sutton, south London, is due to appear before magistrates on 24 May.

He is also accused of gross indecency and inciting the boy to commit gross indecency.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between February 1987 and February 1993 against the boy in East Sussex.

Mr Whittaker was vicar of Sedlescombe, near Battle, and it is claimed the offences took place there, Sussex Police said.