Chris Brain: Jury discharged in trial of ex-priest who ran rave-inspired 'cult' group

A jury has been discharged in the trial of a former Church of England priest who ran a rave-inspired "cult" group.

Christopher Brain, 68, from Wilmslow, Cheshire, was the leader of the Nine O'Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield between 1986 and 1995.

He was charged with one count of rape and 36 counts of indecent assault between 1981 and 1995 against 13 women.

Brain, who denied all the charges, was found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault relating to nine women and acquitted of 15 similar charges.

The 11-strong jury, sitting at Inner London Crown Court, was discharged by Judge Freya Newbery on Thursday after failing to reach a verdict on five counts, having started deliberations on 12 August.

The judge told the jurors: "I am going to discharge you now on those counts. For you, it all comes to an end now. I am really grateful for such a lot of time that you have given."

A further hearing to determine whether prosecutors believe there are grounds for a retrial for the charges was set for 4 September.

The prosecution previously told jurors that NOS, which was aimed at younger people, "presented itself to the outside world as a progressive force for good".

But the court heard Brain "dominated and abused his position" to sexually assault a "staggering number of women from his congregation", including during massages.

He denied brainwashing people to satisfy his sexual desires or ostracising female followers from friends and family.

Church of England: 'Truly sorry'

Joanne Grenfell, lead bishop for safeguarding in the Church of England, and Alexander Kubeyinje, national safeguarding director, released a joint statement in which they said they were "truly sorry".

"Our thoughts and prayers today are with the women who have bravely come forward to share their testimonies.

"The conviction of Chris Brain on 17 counts of indecent assault has resulted in lasting damage to their lives, and they were an appalling abuse of power in leadership that should never have happened. We are truly sorry."

In a statement, Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield, echoed that same comment, adding that he was "deeply sorry" for the harm suffered.

"Where concerns were raised in the past and were not acted upon properly, that was a failing of the Church. For those institutional failures, I offer an unreserved apology. We are committed to supporting those affected.

"Words will never undo the harm that has been caused. We will, however, continue to work to ensure the Church is a safe place for everyone."

He added the diocese would continue to cooperate with police, adding that there was a safeguarding team available to offer support and counselling.

'Devious and arrogant sexual predator'

Detective Superintendent Eleanor Welsh, senior investigating officer at South Yorkshire Police, said: "Brain is a devious and arrogant sexual predator who caused these women significant harm through his abuse of power and cruel manipulation of their faith.

"While I am pleased with the guilty verdicts, I know for the victims it can never take away what Brain did to them. However, I hope that it brings some comfort to know they have had a voice, they have been heard, and the jury has accepted that Brain is a serial sex offender."

'Lycra Lovelies' looked after Brain

At its peak, the weekly Nine O'Clock Service - held at 9pm on a Sunday - attracted up to 600 people.

Prosecutors say a "homebase" team of "attractive women", wearing lingerie or other revealing clothing, known as "the Lycra Lovelies" or "the Lycra Nuns", was set up to look after Brain, his wife and his daughter at their home.

Jurors were also told Brain's Church of England ordination was "fast-tracked" in 1991, and he wore the same cassock worn by actor Robert De Niro in the movie "The Mission" at the ceremony.

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