Sex-charge chaplain released on bail
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A CHAPLAIN at a boys' public school who was charged by German police with importing child pornography has been freed on bail and is preparing to fly home.
The Rev Andrew Swindells, 32, assistant chaplain at the pounds 4,300-a-term Tonbridge School in Kent, was arrested in a swoop by undercover vice detectives in Munich, Germany on Saturday.
He was allegedly caught handing over a sexually explicit video tape containing footage of young teenage boys to another man, during an operation to break up a pornography smuggling racket.
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "The judge had granted him [Swindells] bail but had placed him in custody after he was unable to raise the money."
She was unable to confirm who had paid the bail of about pounds 1,200 but it is reported that the school's bursar, Ray Hart, flew out to Germany and used school funds to pay the money.
Mr Hart is accompanying Rev Swindells on the school-funded flight home and the pair are due to arrive back in Kent this morning, according to a report in today's Times.
Kent Police carried out a search of his home at the boys' school after a tip-off from detectives in Munich. Several items were seized and taken away for further investigation.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments