A VICAR who sexually abused a teenage boy in the 1980s has today (December 21) been jailed.
Rev David Roberts, 68, of Henley Road, Taunton, was jailed for 12 years at Taunton Crown Court.
Roberts has been suspended from his post at St John the Evangelist Church in Park Street after he admitted five sexual assault charges.
He was also made to sign the sex offenders register and made the subject of a Sexual Offences Prevention Order.
After sentencing DC Andrew Daw said: "This was an extremely sensitive investigation that has resulted in Roberts being jailed for a significant amount of time.
"This sentence is down to the courage and bravery of the victim to come forward and tell us about the abuse he suffered at the hands of Roberts.
"He was in a position of trust as a vicar and he abused that position, sexually abusing a vulnerable boy.
"I would encourage any victim of rape or sexual assault to come forward and contact us. We take every allegation seriously, past or present and will investigate thoroughly."
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