English bishop seeks dismissal of rape charges (The Tablet)

In brief

Bishop David Oakley of Northampton sought the dismissal of rape charges during a court hearing yesterday.

The bishop is charged with two counts of rape of a girl under 16. The alleged rapes took place in the early 2000s when Oakley was a parish priest.

Oakley was released on bail last month on the condition that he does not contact the alleged victim or her family. A new court hearing is scheduled for January.