| crime.files |
| |
 |
|
| crime.features |
| |
|
|
| crime.resources |
| |
|
|
| crime.co.nz |
| |
|
|
|
| |
The Alan Woodcock Story
Alan Woodcock was ordained as a Priest in 1972 and by 1979 he had been convicted of a sex offence against another man. Amazingly with this conviction behind him, Woodcock was appointed as a teacher at St Patricks College in Silverstream
After receiving a suspended sentence he was sent to a psychologist, who assured those concerned that there was every likelihood that Woodcock could be rehabilitated. During this time he also attended Victoria University in Wellington, where he studied music.
Amazingly with this conviction behind him, Woodcock was appointed as a teacher at St Patricks College in Silverstream. It wasn’t long before allegations against the priest had been made. Three 6th form boys alleged that Woodcock had fondled them. The principal of the collage requested that Alan Woodcock be removed from the school immediately, however Father Fred Bliss decided retain Woodcock on until the end of the year.
Controls were put in place to avoid any further situations, one of which was the rule that Woodcock was not to have any boys in his room with the door shut. However the rules were too late for one 15-year-old boy, who was sent to Alan Woodcock for counseling. This young man alleges that not only did the abuse happen at school but carried on after the teacher had left.
After leaving the school, Alan Woodcock was sent to Marist Novitiale, a place where young men, many directly out of school, were sent for training to become priests.
In 1984, Woodcock returned to Wellington and before long more allegations were made against him. This time he was sent to Marists Fotuna Retreat and then was returned to Marist Novitiale in 1985.
Finally, in 1987, the wayward priest was banned from practising ministry after even more allegations arose soon after his return to Wellington.
In 1995 Alan Woodcock flew to Britain and became a trauma counselor at Heathrow Airport. He was also a practice teacher for social workers. In November he was made redundant from the airport and then in December he asked to be released from the priesthood.
Although 3 complaints were received in 1994 and 1995, the police took no actual action until July 2002. The police began actively seeking Mr. Woodcock’s location working with overseas organisations.
By this time, apparently becoming suicidal and fighting an addiction to heroin, Woodcock put his London flat on the market and flew to Greece on a one way ticket. He returned to England on 7th August 2002 upon hearing of the extradition proceedings. Upon entering the country at Luton Airport, he was arrested on a provisional warrant by a member of the Extradition Squad of the Metropolitan Police.
Alan Woodcock, 54 appeared in the Bow Street Magistrates Court in London soon after his arrest and was remanded in custody in Brixton Prison. Although he had made an application for bail it was unsuccessful.
On 14h August 2002, Woodcock reappeared and again was remanded in custody to reappear.
There has been no indication as to whether the accused will consent or contest extradition to New Zealand.
|
|
|
Alan Woodcock was ordained as a Priest in 1972 and by 1979 he had been convicted of a sex offence against another man. Amazingly with this conviction behind him, Woodcock was appointed as a teacher at St Patricks College in Silverstream |
|