A FORMER minister who held one of the most senior roles in the North-East church is facing trial for a string of serious sex offences dating back to the 1970s.

The Venerable Granville Gibson, 79, former Archdeacon of Auckland, County Durham, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today charged with eight offences in total, relating to two alleged victims, both of whom were teenagers at the time.

The charges included seven counts of indecent assault and one of buggery on a man aged 16 or over. All of the alleged offences are said to have taken place in Newton Aycliffe and Consett between 1977 and 1983.

Mr Gibson, from West Crescent in Darlington, was originally arrested in April 2014 and was charged on May 7 this year.

Appearing at court in front of district judge Stephen Harmes, Mr Gibson pleaded not guilty to all charges and was given unconditional bail. He is due to appear at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday, July 1.

The diocese of Durham issued a statement after the five-minute hearing.

A spokesman said: “It is not our policy as a Diocese or as the Church of England to comment on individual cases, but we can confirm The Venerable Granville Gibson, of Darlington, a retired member of the Clergy in the Diocese of Durham has been charged in connection with historical sexual abuse offences.

“This matter is being dealt with under judicial process and so it would not be appropriate for us to comment in any way that may prejudice that work. We will not be making any additional comments or statements on this court case or the circumstances surrounding it.

“We treat all matters of safeguarding with the utmost seriousness, sensitivity and urgency. When we learnt of the allegations, we took immediate action in accordance with our safeguarding procedures and have providing pastoral support to those involved.”

Mr Gibson was a mining surveyor before joining the Church of England ministry aged 33. He was a curate in Cullercoats, Vicar of Cramlington and Vicar of Newton Aycliffe until 1983. 

He is also a former chairman of the governors at St Aidan’s Academy in Darlington.