Phil Shepka and
Harriet HeywoodCambridgeshire
A former Catholic priest who sexually abused children over several decades may have more victims who have yet to come forward, police believe.
Dennis Finbow, 77, who served across Peterborough and St Neots, Cambridgeshire, was jailed for 11 years on Friday for 15 indecent assaults against five people, most of whom were under the age of 16 at the time.
Finbow, formerly of Martlesham, near Ipswich, was already serving a six-and-a-half-year sentence for abusing a young girl in the 1980s.
“I believe people are out there who perhaps have been offended against, who have not come forward because they may be following this case intently, perhaps seeking some closure,” said Det Con Annette Renwick.
“Some are going to be parents, grandparents now. We’re talking decades ago that this happened for some people. I think they’ve no intention of unlocking that box and that trauma that comes with it… and that’s OK.”
Det Con Renwick, who has led the investigations, said one person who made allegations against Finbow died before justice was served.
Finbow was a prominent figure in the community during the 1980s and 1990s, known for his work in schools, hospitals, charities and running social clubs for children.
“So, a very well-known and respected figure. But there was a darker side as well,” Det Con Renwick added.
“As we found out… with that role of respect and trust, unfortunately, there was a side where he was able to exploit that trust with children that he came into contact with.”
Phil Shepka/Finbow had not been in active ministry since 2001.
He had initially denied allegations put to him and first described the investigation as a “witch hunt”.
He had claimed people held grudges and insisted he was a “good priest,” saying the accusations were misconstrued and part of a conspiracy, said Det Con Renwick.
After a trial at Huntingdon Crown Court in January 2023, he was told he would be on the sex offenders register for life.
In December 2024, Pope Francis formally removed Finbow’s clerical status following his convictions.
The Diocese of East Anglia said it had cooperated fully with police and safeguarding authorities.
