CHURCH officials have reassured parishioners of their "resolute safeguarding responsibilities" after a man was jailed for abusing choirboys.

As reported in the Daily Echo, David Everett targeted one victim while volunteering as choir conductor at the Christchurch Priory in the early 2000s.

He was jailed for six years and eight months after admitting six counts of indecent assault against the boy in 2017. After his photograph appeared in the paper, a second victim - targeted a short time later at St Peter's Church in Bournemouth - came forward.

Everett, formerly of Hankinson Road, Bournemouth, was not working as a conductor when the second boy was assaulted. However, he was an "active supporter" of the choir, it was heard.

He admitted gross indecency and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, and his sentence was increased to eight years and five months.

In 1992, the defendant, now 58, was convicted of five counts of indecent assault on a male under the age of 14 and one of gross indecency at Reading Crown Court.

He was sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years.

In 2002, Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks were introduced. The system - now known as Disclose and Barring Service (DBS) checks - assesses the criminal background of all people who work with children or vulnerable adults in schools, voluntary activities or professional bodies.

Everett began leading the choir in Christchurch in the 1990s, ahead of the system's launch.

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Winchester said: “David Everett is a former member of the choir at Christchurch Priory.

"The Diocese of Winchester worked closely with Dorset Police throughout their investigation, and Mr Everett did not had any involvement with Christchurch Priory or any other parish within the Diocese of Winchester since the Diocese was made aware of the investigation.

“The Church of England has resolute safeguarding responsibilities and all accusations or instances of abuse are taken very seriously. The Diocese of Winchester is working in full cooperation with the appropriate authorities on this matter and continues to ensure it has robust safeguarding processes in place."

Anyone with concerns should contact the safeguarding team on 01962 737317 or by emailing safeguarding@winchester.anglican.org