Man suing church over sex abuse

Father Clonan died in Australia while on the run from police

A 34-year-old man became mentally ill after a catalogue of "horrendous" abuse at the hands of his parish priest in Coventry, the High Court has been told.

The man, known as "A", is suing the Archbishop of Birmingham in his role as head of the Church in the area.

A's barrister said Father Christopher Clonan sexually abused his client for 10 years when the priest worked at Christ the King Church in Coundon.

Fr Clonan died in Australia in 1998 while on the run from British police.

Robert Seabrook QC said A was molested by Fr Clonan between 1978 and 1988, after the priest had ingratiated himself with his client's devout Roman Catholic family.

A now suffers from schizophrenia and post traumatic stress disorder, Mr Seabrook said.

The Archbishop of Birmingham, the Most Rev Vincent Nicholls, does not deny the abuse took place, but says A cannot seek damages.

The case, being heard by Mr Justice Christopher Clarke, is expected to last five days.