New claims over 'sex abuse' priest

Father Clonan is wanted for questioning

Two men have accused a missing Catholic priest of sexually abusing them.

The pair allege that Father Christopher Clonan molested them while he worked at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in Coundon, Coventry, in the 1970s and 80s.

Father Clonan left his post in July 1992 during a police inquiry into accusations he had abused children in his care.

The two most recent complainants have issued writs against the Birmingham Archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church, alleging they were sexually abused by the priest.

One of the men said he was abused about once a week for 10 years from the age of eight.

Fruitless search

He said he has suffered psychiatric problems as a result.

The men have accused the Church of negligence and of a breach of its duty of care.

The Birmingham Archdiocese is already facing a damages claim of more than £1m from another alleged victim.

A police spokesman said in July that eight people - aged between eight and 17 at the time of the alleged offences - had accused Father Clonan of abusing them.

Detectives from Coventry visited Australia to look for the priest earlier this year, but were told he could have died two years before.

Father Clonan's whereabouts remain unknown.

The first of the claims against the Birmingham Archdiocese is due to be heard in the High Court in January.