Anglican Priest Convicted of Pornography Discusses Sacrificing Babies to Satan
Vicar David Renshaw, a Church of England priest, was found guilty of eight counts of extreme pornography at Lewes Crown Court.
The 63-year-old priest admitted to having over 22,000 files of indecent images and videos on his hard drive, including animal pornography, and fantasized about "sacrificing babies to Satan" and drugging boys with crystal meth.
When police raided his parish home, they discovered rotten dead animals, used needles, and drug pipes, tracing his activities.
Renshaw was suspended immediately after police searched his home, according to a spokesman for the Diocese of Chichester, and he has not been in active ministry since.
The Chichester's Bishop, Dr. Martin Warner, said the diocese cooperated closely with Sussex Police throughout this investigation.
Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant David Rose, said, “Throughout this investigation, Renshaw has sought to blame anyone but himself.
“He has failed to accept or take any responsibility for his actions, which I am certain the local parish he represented would be appalled by.
“The search of his address was one of the most revolting tasks our officers will ever have to endure.
“As well as malnourished living animals, there was also a dead rotting kitten and a dead rotting rat on the floor, in addition to used needles and other drug paraphernalia lying around. It was a deeply unpleasant scene to search.
“It was also a particularly harrowing experience for the officer who had to sift through and grade each image, something that will stay with him for the rest of his life.”
Renshaw will be sentenced in March 2023.