Church should link-up with domestic abuse agencies, review into murdered Doncaster OAP accused of sex abuse finds

Churches are being urged to set up links with domestic abuse agencies after concerns were raised over the relationship between clergy and a Doncaster woman who murdered a pensioner accused of sexually abusing her.
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It is one of several recommendations in a Domestic Homicide Review written by the Safe Stronger Doncaster Partnership after the killing in December 2017 by the victim’s step granddaughter.

She was jailed for 13 years at Sheffield Crown Court for the murder where the victim was stabbed 120 times, beaten with his walking stick and doused in bleach.

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The killer had become involved with the church and was living with a vicar and his wife at one stage. She did voluntary work at the church’s community cafe.

Sheffield Crown Court.Sheffield Crown Court.
Sheffield Crown Court.

The report said the vicar and his wife gave unconditional trust and friendship to the woman, referred to as ‘Martha’ in the report, despite knowing about her chaotic lifestyle involving criminality and drug use. This included allowing her to live in their home.

It stated: “Over a period of time they believed that Martha was making a positive change towards her withdrawal from drug use and therefore any risks that she may have posed were reduced. This could be seen as a ‘Christian’ approach; however, these risks were not taken into consideration given the vulnerable people that Martha may have come into contact with at the community café or through the vicar’s family members.

“Members of the church will often come into contact with vulnerable people and will as part of their faith want to help and assist those individuals where appropriate. In doing so cognizance needs to be taken of any potential safeguarding risks and where these are identified policies and procedures adhered to, or where there is any doubt advice should be sought from the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor.”

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The report calls for links between parishes and local agencies who respond to domestic abuse - one of many recommendations.

It also called for an awareness campaign into different aspects of domestic abuse, including financial abuse, after concerns were raised the victim, referred as ‘Fred’, was giving money to the killer for drugs before his death.