A retired priest who sexually abused a girl over a three-year period has been jailed. 

Dennis Finbow visited the family home in Paston, Peterborough, on several occasions between June 1982 and December 1985 and abused the victim. 

The court heard Finbow would go into the girl’s bedroom claiming her mother had sent him, and that he wanted to speak to her about becoming a woman. 

He also asked her to take her clothes off as well as touching her inappropriately. 

The Diocese of East Anglia said Finbow, 74, has not been in active ministry since 2001 but prior to his retirement, he had served in parishes in St Neots and Peterborough. 

Today [March 8] at Cambridge Crown Court, Finbow, of Bealings Road, Martlesham, Suffolk was jailed for six years and six months having been found guilty on three counts of indecent assault after pleading not guilty to six counts. 

DC Annette Renwick said Finbow subjected the victim to “shocking sexual abuse which can leave serious lifelong psychological scars. 

“His role was that of a person that many parishioners admired but who also trusted him with their children. That trust he abused.” 

READ MORE: Retired priest Dennis Finbow convicted of historic child abuse

Rt Rev Peter Collins, Bishop of East Anglia, said Finbow’s removal of his clerical status will begin with immediate effect. 

“The safeguarding of children and vulnerable people is of paramount importance to the Catholic Church and the Diocese of East Anglia has co-operated fully with the police and other statutory authorities throughout this investigation,” said Bishop Peter. 

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim in this case and also other victims of child sexual abuse. 

“Should anyone have any concerns or queries about the Dennis Finbow case, I would encourage them to contact Mick Thurley, our diocesan safeguarding coordinator, on 07429 215344.” 

Speaking after the sentencing, a spokesperson for the NSPCC said Finbow's actions was a "devastating breach of the position of trust that Finbow held in society as an ordained member of the church.

“This case highlights that no matter what time has passed since the abuse has taken place, it is possible to achieve justice."

For children who have been a victim of sexual abuse, you can contact Childline at any time of day or night on 0800 1111 or visit: childline.org.uk. 

Adult survivors of sexual abuse can contact the 24/7 NSPCC helpline for support and advice at: help@nspcc.org.uk. 

For more information or to make a report, visit Cambridgeshire Police’s child protection webpage.