A Bradford priest today pleaded guilty to 15 counts of indecently assaulting teenage boys.

Father David Leslie Crowley, 44, a former Roman Catholic hospital chaplain, admitted all charges against him when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court today.

He has been suspended indefinitely by the Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend David Konstant.

Immediately after the hearing Bishop Konstant said: "Along with all Catholics, I am saddened and distressed that such shameful actions were committed by a priest.

"We extend our deep sympathy to the young people affected and to their families.

"The interests of children and young people are paramount to us and it is inexcusable that someone who was in a position of trust should cause hurt. The people of the diocese have every right to expect a high standard of pastoral care. Now they justifiably believe their trust was betrayed."

Crowley admitted 12 counts of indecent assault of boys under 14 and three others to boys under 16. All the offences were committed between June 1981 and August 1992.

Three of the incidents took place in Bradford.

In mitigation, for Crowley, his barrister Jonathon Rose said it was clear that his client had "an extensive history" which required detailed investigation.

Judge Gerald Coles QC agreed to adjourn the sentencing for further reports because the offences were of "such gravity".

He granted Crowley bail until the next hearing at a date to be set on condition that he does not contact any prosecution witnesses, does not have any unsupervised contact with children under 16 and reside at a bail address in Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Crowley studied for the priesthood in Durham, was ordained in Leeds at the end of 1979 and has since worked as a priest in Bradford, Huddersfield, Devon, Leeds, Settle and was back in Bradford again in 1993.

Until his dismissal he worked as chaplain at St Lukes and Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Bishop Konstant said the diocese had fully co-operated with the police and other agencies during the inquiry.

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