THE Church of England has said it is "profoundly sorry" after a man told how he was sexually abused as a child by a former choirmaster in Bradford.

The man said he was subjected to sexual abuse by David Turner decades ago when he was a young member of the choir at the Church of England's St Barnabas' Church, Heaton.

He has now received a five-figure settlement after mounting a civil claim against the church for the injury, harm and losses he said he suffered as a result of the abuse.

According to law firm Leigh Day, Turner - who is now dead - took an interest in their client  when he joined the choir as a youngster.

The man reported that the abuse only stopped once he moved homes and no longer attended the church. 

Later in life, he suffered ongoing mental health difficulties and alcohol dependency, and received counselling. 

In 2020, he approached police after reading a newspaper article on abuse within church.

It transpired that Turner had died and therefore could not personally be held to account at a criminal trial.

However, the man's legal claim against the church was settled for £95,000 for general damages to his well-being and therapy costs and loss of earnings. 

He said: "I have carried this abuse for decades, surviving a suicide attempt in my 20s.

"The abuse was carried out by David Turner and was made possible by my involvement with the church choir.

"I truly hope that the church will reflect and start to become more open and honest with the many victims that they are responsible for.

"I still want answers but the church remains much too defensive and secretive."

Andrew Lord, the Leigh Day solicitor who represented the man, said: "My client has described suffering the most horrific abuse as a child by a man who took advantage of his position of authority for years.

"While nothing can undo the damage that has been caused, I hope that the settlement from the church can help him move forward with his life."

A spokesperson for the Anglican Diocese of Leeds, a diocese of the Church of England, said: "We are profoundly sorry for any abuse and remain committed to doing everything possible to ensure the well-being of children, young people and adults, who look to us for respect and care.

"Abuse is a terrible crime and a grievous breach of trust, which has lifelong effects."