Chris Brain, 69, has been found guilty of one count of rape and four counts of sexual assault against three women who attended his Nine O'Clock Service (NOS) in Sheffield during the 1980s and 1990s. The jury's verdict was delivered at Inner London Crown Court, where Brain was accused of using his leadership role to exploit women, including instructing them to give him massages at his home. Victims reported feeling pressured to comply with his demands due to his perceived authority as 'the mouthpiece of God.'
The Crown Prosecution Service stated that the acts were not consensual but rather forced submissions. Brain has a total of 22 sexual offence convictions against 13 women. Prosecutor Tim Clark KC described the NOS as initially viewed by the Church of England as a successful movement, but it became a controlled group dominated by Brain.
The court heard testimonies from victims who described being groomed and manipulated by Brain, with one woman stating she felt she had no choice but to comply with his demands. Brain denied the allegations, claiming any sexual acts were consensual or did not occur.
Following the verdict, one victim expressed that it took over 30 years for justice to be served and criticized the Church of England for its delayed response. Julie Moss, senior crown prosecutor, emphasized the manipulation and abuse Brain inflicted on NOS members, stating that victims were isolated and made dependent on him.
Detective Superintendent Eleanor Welsh commended the courage of the women who came forward, noting that Brain's denial of the offences necessitated a second trial. Richard Scorer, representing the victims, called for accountability from the Church of England for its role in Brain's rise to ordination. Sentencing for Brain will occur at a later date.