Published on: 02/10/2026
Chris Brain has today been found guilty on all remaining charges, following a retrial on the five charges the jury could not agree on in his original trial in 2025.
Brain was convicted in August 2025 of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women who were members of the Nine O’Clock Service in Sheffield. This retrial concerned the charge of rape, and four further counts of indecent assault, on which the original jury could not reach a verdict.
The Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield, said:
“My first thoughts today are with the women whose courage brought this retrial to a conclusion. They have now given evidence, in full, not once but twice. It is unfortunate that that was necessary, and I am acutely conscious of the cost it has had for them. I am also conscious of the distress experienced by many others who have not been part of the criminal proceedings.
Last year I offered an unreserved apology for the abuse of power and leadership that took place within the Nine O’Clock Service. Today’s verdict adds to that same picture, and my apology stands in full.
Last year I also commissioned an independent Safeguarding Practice Review into how the Church responded at the time. We took the decision to delay that review until these outstanding charges had been resolved, so as not to cut across the retrial. With today’s verdict, that review will now begin, and I remain committed to seeing it through, and to acting on its findings.”
Support is available to anyone affected by these events. Our diocesan safeguarding team is available to listen, to provide practical support and to signpost to independent counselling and specialist services. Anyone who needs help or who has information to share is invited to contact the Diocese of Sheffield Safeguarding Team at nos-support@sheffield.anglican.org or visit www.sheffield.anglican.org/safeguarding. Alternatively, you may prefer to access the independent support set out here: sheffdio.org/NOSsupport.