A 76-YEAR-OLD monk from Caldey Island has been arrested on suspicion of sending indecent images to a local woman, Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed. The incident, which surfaced earlier this summer, has led to the monk’s suspension from his duties on the island pending further investigation.
The monk, who has resided on Caldey for over 30 years, was questioned by police on Sunday, 21st July. He has since been released on bail while inquiries continue. It is alleged that he sent a series of inappropriate photographs to a woman in her thirties via social media after she made contact with him regarding a potential interest in the religious life.
Police sources indicate that the nature of the images resembled ‘camp’ or ‘Playboy mansion-style’ photographs. Reports suggest that after initial contact was made on 17th July, the communication quickly escalated to the exchange of suggestive images by the following day. Further allegations have surfaced, claiming that other explicit images may have been sent to another woman in Kent.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police stated: “A 76-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of sending indecent images and has been released on bail pending further inquiries.”
The Tenby Observer has reported today, that due to the individual’s status within the Caldey community, the monastery’s disciplinary authority has suspended him as the investigation proceeds. It is understood that the monk, who previously served as a church organist, denied having any specific fetish but admitted to what he termed as ‘misbehaviour’ during police questioning.
The police investigation is ongoing, with examinations of the monk’s electronic devices currently underway. Local residents have expressed shock at the allegations, given the individual’s longstanding presence on the island.