John Smyth, a prolific abuser linked to the Church of England, escaped prosecution for decades of crimes due to an “active cover up” within the church. Police were first alerted in 2013 but did not pursue an investigation, citing lack of evidence and victims’ unwillingness to make complaints. Despite later disclosures of abuse allegations, including a detailed report from over 30 years earlier, little action was taken by police forces, highlighting missed opportunities and resourcing challenges faced in handling historical child sexual abuse cases.
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