A disgraced former Church of England priest who established a coercive cult within his congregation has been found guilty of raping a woman and committing multiple counts of indecent assault against several others.
Chris Brain, 69, was convicted following a retrial at the Inner London Crown Court. This latest verdict includes one count of rape and four counts of indecent assault relating to three women. Combined with his conviction last year for 17 indecent assaults against nine other women, Brain has now been found guilty of a total of 22 sexual offences against 13 victims.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Brain led the “Nine O’Clock Service” (NOS) at St Thomas’s Church in Sheffield. The movement initially gained national attention for its innovative, nightclub-style worship services, which drew hundreds of young people. However, prosecutors revealed that the group had morphed into a manipulative cult where Brain exerted total control over his followers.
Prosecutor Tim Clark KC told the court that Brain abused his position of authority to isolate members from their friends and families. By fostering an environment of fear and dependency, Brain ensured that his victims felt unable to challenge him, often leading them to believe that refusing his sexual advances would signify a “spiritual failing.”
The court heard disturbing testimony regarding a “homebase team” of women who were tasked with caring for Brain around the clock. These women were expected to attend to his every need, including providing sexual massages and “putting him to bed.” One victim described how, while his wife was away, Brain forced her onto his bed and raped her.
Brain, who resigned as a priest in 1995 when the allegations first emerged, maintained throughout the trials that the sexual encounters were consensual. He previously claimed the activities were merely for “closeness and affection.” This defence was resoundingly rejected by the jury.
Following the verdict, South Yorkshire Police condemned Brain as a “devious and arrogant sexual predator” who caused lasting psychological trauma to his victims. Detective Superintendent Eleanor Welsh praised the women for their courage, noting that they had waited decades to secure justice and were forced to relive their harrowing ordeals in court.
Julie Moss, senior crown prosecutor for Yorkshire and Humberside, described the case as a “disturbing campaign of manipulation and abuse.” She noted that the victims were not only sexually exploited but were also made financially and emotionally tethered to the group to prevent them from leaving.
Brain, formerly of Wilmslow, Greater Manchester, remains in custody. Judge Freya Newbury has ordered that the victims be given the opportunity to deliver impact statements at a future sentencing hearing, which is expected to span two days.
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