Father Patrick Smythe, Parish Priest of Our Lady of Kirkstall within the Diocese of Leeds, has been charged with four counts of indecent assault on four boys aged under 16. These offences are said to have taken place in Leeds and Skipton between 1979 and 1983.

In June 2019 it was widely reported that the Catholic Priest had voluntarily withdrawn from service temporarily amid a ‘safeguarding procedure’. He is due to attend the Magistrates Court in Leeds on 16th December.

David Greenwood , Director and Head of the Child Abuse Department , has significant experience of dealing with actions against the Catholic Church for failing to protect children from abuse.

If you have any information or would like a confidential chat please contact David Greenwood on 0800 138 4700 or contact us through the website.