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Vatican launches extraordinary probe into ‘lockdown sex party’ at cathedral as part of broader probe into former bishop’s tenure
The Vatican has launched an extraordinary investigation into a ‘lockdown sex party’ at a cathedral as part of a broader investigation into the tenure of a former bishop.
The Roman Catholic Church is investigating Robert Byrne’s resignation as Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle in December.
The Archbishop of Liverpool, who is leading the inquiry, has been asked to prepare “a detailed report on the events leading up to Bishop Byrne’s resignation.” sunday times informed.
There is no suggestion that Bishop Byrne was at or aware of the alleged party.
The Roman Catholic Church is investigating the resignation of Robert Byrne (pictured) as Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle in December
During the lockdown, Father Michael McCoy (above), who was the dean at the time, reportedly asked several worshipers if they would like to attend a ‘sex party’.
During lockdown, Father Michael McCoy, who was the dean at the time, allegedly asked a number of worshipers if they would like to attend a ‘sex party’ inside a property adjoining St Mary’s Cathedral, Newcastle.
“Individuals within the diocese made a series of complaints after information came to light about a sex party taking place in priests’ quarters attached to Newcastle Cathedral,” a source told the newspaper.
Another added: “The cathedral had become a laughing stock.”
A spokesman for the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle said: ‘The review is already underway. Prior to Bishop Byrne’s resignation in mid-December, the trustees were working with the Charity Commission, having referred themselves to that organization.’
Canon McCoy, 57, was found dead in his Newcastle apartment in April 2019.
He took his own life days after learning he was being investigated by police for a ‘historic allegation’.
Mr. McCoy was visited by officers on April 6 and told that a landmark charge had been made against him and that he would be invited for a voluntary interview at some point.
Pictured: St Mary’s Cathedral Church in Newcastle upon Tyne
Canon McCoy, 57, was found dead in his Newcastle apartment in April 2019.
Detective Sergeant Julie Beattie, from Northumbria Police’s child and adult protection department, said McCoy was “upset” but said he would seek his own support from friends and colleagues, and no concerns were raised about his well-being.
McCoy voluntarily withdrew from his ministry at the cathedral and moved into an Airbnb.
On April 10, a man attended Mr McCoy’s apartment ‘as part of providing support to him’ and became concerned when he did not get a response.
The concierge service helped him gain access to the apartment, where Mr. McCoy was found dead.
Mr. McCoy had not left a note, and his mobile phone and tablet had been factory reset, and nothing could be recovered from them.
A professional standards inquiry conducted by Northumbria Police after Mr McCoy’s death “found no concerns or missed opportunities to further protect him”.
An investigation by the diocese also concluded that there was nothing ‘that could or should have been done differently’ to prevent Mr McCoy’s death, and there were no concerns at the time that he was a risk to himself.