THE CATHOLIC Church apologised to the victim of a predatory priest but would not respond to questions relating to the clergyman’s involvement in an alleged paedophile ring.

The national press office for the Church absolved themselves of responsibility and passed queries relating to sex offender Michael Higginbottom to his local diocese.

Refusing to answer any questions relating to his case and allegations suggesting wider abuse, a spokeswoman for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle said there could be no excuses for the clergyman’s crimes.

She said: “The Diocese expresses profound sorrow for the terrible crimes of child abuse committed by Father Michael Higginbottom and offers a heartfelt apology to the victim who should have been afforded and expected utmost care from someone in such a position of trust.

“There can be no excuses. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family at this time.”

She said procedures that were now in place “highlight what should have been done in the past” and said the Catholic Church had implemented national safeguarding policies and procedures to protect vulnerable people and bring perpetrators to justice.

Dino Nocivelli, the victim’s lawyer, deemed the apology a PR stunt and criticised the Church for not apologising to the man in person or supporting him through his ordeal.

Mr Nocivelli said: “He feels abandoned by the church – they have never reached out to him or apologised in person.”