Minister's alleged sexual touching was 'disguised'

A minister who was a senior member of the Methodist Church in Cornwall sexually assaulted five women over an 11-year period, a court has heard.

At Truro Crown Court, prosecutor Brian Fitzherbert said Steven Wild assaulted the women who came into contact with him because of their involvement with the church.

Wild, 72, of St Ives, Cornwall, denied 11 charges of sexual assault and indecent assault between 2004 and 2015.

Fitzherbert told it was not the prosecution's case that Wild was violent or used force, and told the jury the sexual assaults were "non-consensual sexual touching" which often happened in public.

Wild was chair of Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Methodist District from 2008 until 2022.

The jury heard about the "tactile behaviour of Mr Wild" or it being "just Steve being Steve" but Wild had a senior position within the church and "sexual touching for him was easily disguised".

Mr Fitzherbert said the alleged offences came to light in 2018 during a safeguarding review and five women came forward as a result.

One of the alleged victims said she met Wild in 2004 when he was conducting a religious service in Cornwall.

She said Wild put his arms around her and his face against hers and was making moaning and groaning noises telling her she was very special, the court heard.

Mr Fitzherbert said: "He began to kiss her on the cheek multiple times, more than 20 times. It was clear by his behaviour he had taken an immediate physical liking to her."

The woman said when she tried to make a complaint she was told by church members Wild "was a wonderful man, he is so lovely".

And she was told the church was at "war with Satan" and she should not undermine that, the court heard.

The hearing, due to last three weeks, continues.

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