BBC: Sex abuse accused vicar 'burnt himself to death' at Hawley vicarage
Get Surrey: Father Martyn Neale death: Church of England vicar set himself on fire with petrol amid historic sex abuse probe

"Warm tributes have been paid to Father Neale following his sad passing."

"One of the nicest, hardest working and fantastic people I have met in my life. A man who brought joy to many and was married to his job. That's why he was the only choice to marry my wife and I. I'm genuinely sad to hear of his passing."

"Such a sad story. Father Martin was such a wonderful man. A dear friend to my dad since my mum passed away and conducted the wedding of my son ... in January. He had such a wonderful personality and a lovely sense of humour. Whatever the allegations against him, he will be sadly missed. RIP Father Martin."

North East Hampshire Coroner Andrew Bradley told Father Neale's inquest on Monday (September 11) the allegations had "clearly weighed on him", regardless of whether they were true or not.

Now why would I suspect, even though this concerns the Met and Hampshire Police, that Surrey Police were pretty close?

7 August 2017 - Get Surrey: Father Martyn Neale death: Inquest opened into vicar who died amid 'ongoing police investigation

"It remains unclear which authority was leading the investigation. A spokesman from Surrey Police told Get Surrey : "We can confirm that this was not a Surrey Police investigation." Meanwhile a Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "We have no ongoing investigation. "Our involvement was that we were called, any of the ongoing police investigations is not from us."

11 September 2017 - Get Surrey: Father Martyn Neale death: Diocese 'deeply saddened' and offered pastoral support to parish after vicar set himself on fire

"An inquest held on Monday (September 11) heard that the 60-year-old was being investigated by the Metropolitan Police in relation to alleged historic sexual offences."

Another tribute:

Father Martyn Neale death: Councillor pays tribute one week after death of vicar who was being investigated

"Hampshire county councillor for Blackwater and Hawley and chair of Hawley Town Council, Adrian Collett, is the latest to pay tribute following the "tragic death". He said: "Father Martyn was the focal point of so much community life. "Whether it was leading the Remembrance Sunday Service, or the work he did over many years to ensure that the Hawley Fayre was the great success that it now is, whether it was asking searching questions at council meetings, or helping people in countless other ways, and all on top of his obvious duties as the local Vicar. "Whatever the circumstances were that led to his tragic death, we should never forget how much he did for our community." "He will be greatly missed.""

I wonder if the police involved will be able to shrug this one off like Mark "two scalps" W-T.


(YouTube: 1zBMHssk61U)

From the articles, it looks as if Hampshire police's involvement may only have been to respond to the call about the body being found. The church appears to have responded to the police investigation by suspending him, which makes the effusive expressions of sadness seem a little odd (Father Martyn Neale death: Diocese 'deeply saddened' and offered pastoral support to parish after vicar set himself on fire). Maybe they should do less turning of the other cheek if they think allegations are unfounded.

I have a problem with all religions NOT looking after the human beings destroyed by false allegations as well as they nurture, cherish and encourage genuine victims of abuse. I met several vicars or priests in prison; deserted by their churches who seem to behave in exactly the way Jesus condemns.

JK2006 wrote:
I have a problem with all religions NOT looking after the human beings destroyed by false allegations as well as they nurture, cherish and encourage genuine victims of abuse. I met several vicars or priests in prison; deserted by their churches who seem to behave in exactly the way Jesus condemns.

And those who are actually guilty too. The church should (and sometimes does) support them too.
Mine didnt. Even though the perpetrator had been attending since he was a child. They actually banned him from the building.

Oh yes Honey; I meant that as my main point. Surely one of the points of religion is to look after the sinners as well as everyone else. But, like society, that is too complex for humanity this century (when I am certain the species on this planet will reach its demise).

Did he do what accused of ? I know not.
Did he kill himself through the guilt of what he may of done?
Did he kill himself because he was innocent but thought he had no chance of being found not guilty?

A lor of us who come here know how easy it is to have accusations of something thrown at you that is fabrication just to build a case or to try and make a case look stronger heaven forbid the truth come into it.

Judging from posts elsewhere online about this, quite a few people think the suicide is confirmation of guilt, and the chosen method a desire to suffer. But I don't think it's possible to know what someone is thinking when they do that or why he chose that method. Self-immolation has happened in other countries without being preceded by an arrest, let alone for abuse. I posted a link to this story on a Rolf Harris site, where other stories linked to false allegations are also posted, but there was no interest. So perhaps even people who believe that false allegations occur subscribe to the "suicide = guilty" view.

Oh yes and see the BUNDLING thread from me; police use this to convince the gullible (all of us without time or inclination to examine in depth). I know from personal experience - suicide often is because of the prospect of interview, charge, trial, conviction and prison - to many people DEATH is far preferable to the torture of false allegations and the broken judicial system. Robert Randall killed himself as a direct result of false allegations (we assume - he assured me they were) and the way he was treated and the dread of possible future torture. Water boarding is far preferable over the broken judicial system.

Do read this.

www.kingofhits.co.uk/content/view/1223/37/