Priest faces jail after sexually abusing brothers aged 11 and 15

Father Dermot Keaveney, 72, was convicted of 15 counts of indecent assault and buggery between 1975 and 1982 following a two-week trial.

Lewes Crown Court heard Keaveney, of Beacon Hill, Hindhead, Surrey, repeatedly abused the boys who were aged between 11 and 15 at the time of the assaults.

Jurors heard he gave the boys treats and took them on day trips and holidays before sexually abusing them and asking them not to tell anyone.

The clergyman was serving as a priest at various churches in Brighton and Hove in East Sussex at the time of the crimes.

During the trial, Keaveney denied the allegations and insisted he had been giving the boys and their family support.

Judge Paul Tain told Keaveney that he would be remanded in custody because of the severity of his crimes and amid concerns that he would flee. He will be sentenced on November 13.

Detective Constable Darren Grimes, of Sussex Police, said afterwards: "This was an extremely sensitive investigation as all inquiries of this nature are.

"We worked in close co-operation with the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton and our determination to bring this case to justice, despite the passage of time, is reflected in today's result at court.

"We hope that the case brings some closure to the brothers who suffered Keaveney's abuse and their immediate families."