Nine O'Clock Service

1 day ago 2

Update to reflect reports of events in trial on 4 July 2025.

← Previous revision		Revision as of 17:55, 4 July 2025
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	==Prosecution of Chris Brain for multiple sexual offences==		==Prosecution of Chris Brain for multiple sexual offences==
	On 1 February 2024 [[South Yorkshire Police]] announced that Christopher Brain had been summonsed to appear at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on 18 March 2024 to face a total of 34 charges of sexual offences (one of rape, 33 of indecent assault) against 11 members of the Nine O'Clock Service congregation. The police appealed for any further potential victims or witnesses to come forward.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://southyorks.police.uk/find-out/news-and-appeals/2024/february-2024/priest-summonsed-over-multiple-non-recent-sexual-offences-in-sheffield\|author=South Yorkshire Police\|title = Priest summonsed over multiple non-recent sexual offences in Sheffield\|date=1 February 2024\|accessdate=3 February 2024\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201142756/https://www.southyorks.police.uk/find-out/news-and-appeals/2024/february-2024/priest-summonsed-over-multiple-non-recent-sexual-offences-in-sheffield/\|archivedate=1 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-68173057\|title = Former Sheffield priest accused of sexually abusing church members\|work=BBC News\|date=2 February 2024\|accessdate=3 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/9-february/news/uk/nine-o-clock-service-founder-chris-brain-faces-criminal-charges\|title = Nine O’Clock Service founder Chris Brain faces criminal charges\|author=Ed Thornton\|work=Church Times\|date=2 February 2024\|accessdate=3 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/nine-oclock-service-statement\|title = Nine O’Clock service – statement\|work=The Diocese of Sheffield\|date=1 February 2024\|accessdate=9 March 2024}}</ref> On 18 March 2024 Christopher Brain appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court. District Judge Marcus Waite granted him unconditional bail and told him to appear again at [[Sheffield Crown Court]] on 15 April 2024.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-68581122\|title = Christopher Brain: Sheffield priest in court to face 34 sexual abuse charges\|author=Oli Constable\|work=BBC News\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/reverend-christopher-brain-sheffield-court-b2514319.html\|title = Priest who led Nine O’Clock Service movement to face 34 sexual abuse charges\|author=Dave Higgens\|work=Independent\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/nine-oclock-service-chris-brain-priest-appears-at-court-accused-of-34-sex-offences-against-ex-members-of-sheffield-congregation-4559166\|title = Priest appears at court accused of 34 sex offences against ex-members of Sheffield congregation\|author=Sarah Marshall, PA Reporter\|work=The Star\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2024-03-18/evangelical-priest-faces-charges-of-sexually-assaulting-followers\|title =Rev Christopher Brain: Nine O'Clock Service priest in court on sex assault charges\|work=ITV News\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/national/24192035.sheffield-priest-court-face-34-sexual-abuse-charges\|title = Sheffield priest in court to face 34 sexual abuse charges\|author=PA News Agency\|work=Bracknell News\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.knutsfordguardian.co.uk/news/24192024.rev-christopher-brain-appears-court-charged-34-sexual-offence\|title = Rev Christopher Brain appears in court charged with 34 sexual offence\|author=Matt Hancock-Bruce		On 1 February 2024 [[South Yorkshire Police]] announced that Christopher Brain had been summonsed to appear at Sheffield Magistrates' Court on 18 March 2024 to face a total of 34 charges of sexual offences (one of rape, 33 of indecent assault) against 11 members of the Nine O'Clock Service congregation. The police appealed for any further potential victims or witnesses to come forward.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://southyorks.police.uk/find-out/news-and-appeals/2024/february-2024/priest-summonsed-over-multiple-non-recent-sexual-offences-in-sheffield\|author=South Yorkshire Police\|title = Priest summonsed over multiple non-recent sexual offences in Sheffield\|date=1 February 2024\|accessdate=3 February 2024\|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240201142756/https://www.southyorks.police.uk/find-out/news-and-appeals/2024/february-2024/priest-summonsed-over-multiple-non-recent-sexual-offences-in-sheffield/\|archivedate=1 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-68173057\|title = Former Sheffield priest accused of sexually abusing church members\|work=BBC News\|date=2 February 2024\|accessdate=3 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/9-february/news/uk/nine-o-clock-service-founder-chris-brain-faces-criminal-charges\|title = Nine O’Clock Service founder Chris Brain faces criminal charges\|author=Ed Thornton\|work=Church Times\|date=2 February 2024\|accessdate=3 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/nine-oclock-service-statement\|title = Nine O’Clock service – statement\|work=The Diocese of Sheffield\|date=1 February 2024\|accessdate=9 March 2024}}</ref> On 18 March 2024 Christopher Brain appeared at Sheffield Magistrates' Court. District Judge Marcus Waite granted him unconditional bail and told him to appear again at [[Sheffield Crown Court]] on 15 April 2024.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-68581122\|title = Christopher Brain: Sheffield priest in court to face 34 sexual abuse charges\|author=Oli Constable\|work=BBC News\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/reverend-christopher-brain-sheffield-court-b2514319.html\|title = Priest who led Nine O’Clock Service movement to face 34 sexual abuse charges\|author=Dave Higgens\|work=Independent\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/nine-oclock-service-chris-brain-priest-appears-at-court-accused-of-34-sex-offences-against-ex-members-of-sheffield-congregation-4559166\|title = Priest appears at court accused of 34 sex offences against ex-members of Sheffield congregation\|author=Sarah Marshall, PA Reporter\|work=The Star\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2024-03-18/evangelical-priest-faces-charges-of-sexually-assaulting-followers\|title =Rev Christopher Brain: Nine O'Clock Service priest in court on sex assault charges\|work=ITV News\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/national/24192035.sheffield-priest-court-face-34-sexual-abuse-charges\|title = Sheffield priest in court to face 34 sexual abuse charges\|author=PA News Agency\|work=Bracknell News\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.knutsfordguardian.co.uk/news/24192024.rev-christopher-brain-appears-court-charged-34-sexual-offence\|title = Rev Christopher Brain appears in court charged with 34 sexual offence\|author=Matt Hancock-Bruce
	\|work=Knutsford Guardian\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref> On 15 April 2024 Christopher Brain was due to attend Sheffield Crown Court in the afternoon for his plea and trial preparation.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://sheffieldwire.co.uk/index.php/2024/04/15/sheffield-priest-who-led-nine-oclock-service-facing-crown-court-today\|title = Sheffield priest who led Nine O’Clock Service facing Crown Court today\|author=Holly Phillips\|work=Sheffield Wire\|date=15 April 2024\|accessdate=16 April 2024}}</ref> The case was transferred from Sheffield Crown Court to [[Inner London Crown Court]] to avoid the risk of someone connected to the case being known to one of the judges who might hear the case.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/priests-sex-crimes-trial-moved-due-to-potential-links-to-judges-z7mtj033h\|title = Priest’s sex crimes trial moved due to potential links to judges\|author=Sean O’Neill\|work=[[The Times]]\|date=6 May 2024\|accessdate=13 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/10-may/news/uk/uk-news-in-brief\|title = UK news in brief - Chris Brain trial relocated ‘to ensure fairness’\|author=Hattie Williams\|work=Church Times\|date=10 May 2024\|accessdate=13 October 2024}}</ref> On 30 April 2024 Christopher Brain appeared at Inner London Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to one charge of rape and 33 charges of indecent assault regarding 11 women, all members of NOS. The offences were alleged to have taken place between 1981 and 1995. He was released on unconditional bail and was next due to appear for a case management hearing on 10 June 2024 at the same court (Inner London Crown Court). His trial was set for 30 June 2025 and was expected to last eight to ten weeks.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-68818349\|title = Chris Brain: Sheffield priest denies sex attacks on 11 women\|author=Chris Baynes\|work=BBC News\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2024-04-30/priest-behind-90s-rave-church-denies-sex-offences-against-followers\|title = Sheffield priest Christopher Brain denies sex charges against former followers\|work=ITV News\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/chris-brain-nine-oclock-service-crookes-priest-pleads-not-guilty-to-sexually-abusing-sheffield-congregation-members-4611208\|title = Chris Brain, Nine O'Clock Service: Priest pleads not guilty to sexually abusing Sheffield congregation members\|author= Sarah Marshall, PA Reporter\|work=The Star\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://planetradio.co.uk/hits-radio/south-yorkshire/news/chris-brain-trial-date-set\|title = Priest who led evangelical movement in Sheffield denies sexual offences allegations\|author= Chris Davis-Smith\|work=Planet Radio\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.knutsfordguardian.co.uk/news/24289414.wilmslow-priest-rev-christopher-brain-denies-sex-offences\|title = Wilmslow priest Rev Christopher Brain denies sex offences\|author=Barbara Jordan\|work=Knutsford Guardian\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/nos-rave-church-sheffield-reverend-29088202\|title = NOS 'Rave Church' Sheffield reverend Christopher Brain denies rape and sex attacks\|author=Helen Williams, PA & Sophie Corcoran\|work=YorkshireLive\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref> On 24 June 2025 the Church of England issued an update on the case.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-news-releases/nine-oclock-service-responding-victims-and-survivors\|title = Nine O’Clock Service, responding to victims and survivors \|author=Church of England\|work=Church of England website\|date=24 June 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref> On 30 June 2025 the trial began with Judge Freya Newbery presiding, and the jury panel was selected.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/crime/christopher-brain-nine-oclock-service-priest-court-case-jurors-trial-5201692\|title = Christopher Brain: Panel of potential jurors chosen in trial of former Nine O’Clock Service priest\|author= ((Margaret Davis, PA Crime Correspondent))\|work=The Yorkshire Post\|date=30 June 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/courts/jury-selected-in-trial-of-ex-sheffield-priest-accused-of-sexually-abusing-13-women-5201948\|title = Chris Brain: Jury panel selected in trial of ex-Sheffield priest accused of sexually abusing 13 women\|author= Sarah Marshall, Crime and Court Reporter\|work=The Star\|date=30 June 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/cheshire-inner-london-crown-court-sheffield-b2779631.html\|title = Panel of potential jurors chosen in trial of former Nine O’Clock Service priest\|author= Margaret Davis\|work=Independent\|date=30 June 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref> On 1 July 2025 the prosecution opened its case. Counsel for the prosecution was Mr Tim Clark KC.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y22jy89vno\|title = Priest abused 13 women in church cult, court told\|author=Chris Baynes, BBC Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Investigations\|work=BBC News\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/courts/evangelical-sheffield-church-cult-leader-chris-brain-assaulted-staggering-number-of-women-jury-told-5204272\|title = Evangelical Sheffield church 'cult' leader Chris Brain assaulted 'staggering number' of women, jury told\|author= Sarah Marshall, PA Reporter\|work=The Star\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://news.sky.com/story/cult-leader-chris-brain-abused-position-to-sexually-assault-staggering-number-of-women-court-hears-13390845\|title = Cult leader Chris Brain abused position to sexually assault 'staggering number of women', court hears\|author= Henry Vaughan, Home affairs reporter and feature writer\|work=Sky News\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/reverend-chris-brain-sheffield-church-cult-b2780121.html\|title = Women dressed in revealing clothes known as ‘Lycra nuns’ kept church cult leader’s home spotless, sexual abuse trial hears\|author= ((Amy-Clare Martin, Crime Correspondent))\|work=Independent\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/rave-church-leader-abused-staggering-number-of-women-court-told-8x5rtszqj\|title = ‘Rave church’ leader abused staggering number of women, court told\|work=The Times\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/01/priest-ran-abuse-cult-amid-lingerie-wearing-lycra-nuns/\|title = Priest ‘ran abuse cult surrounded by lingerie-wearing Lycra Nuns’\|author= ((Gabriella Swerling, Social and Religious Affairs Editor))\|work=The Telegraph\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2025/4-july/news/uk/nine-o-clock-service-leader-chris-brain-s-trial-opens-in-london\|title = Nine O’Clock Service leader Chris Brain’s trial opens in London\|author=Francis Martin\|work=Church Times\|date=2 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://anglican.ink/2025/07/01/christopher-brain-trial-begins-in-london/\|title=Christopher Brain trial begins in London\|author= George Conger\|work=Anglican Ink\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref> On 2 July 2025 the court heard evidence from witnesses including Dr Mark Stibbe, Rev Marilyn Parry, Rev Robert Warren and Rachel Roberts.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2zv6e762lo\|title = Priest concern reports led to rebuke, court hears\|author=Chris Baynes, BBC News, Yorkshire\|work=BBC News\|date=2 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/chris-brain-trial-ex-sheffield-priest-accused-of-sex-offences-led-movement-that-held-disturbing-services-5205822\|title = Chris Brain trial: Ex-Sheffield priest accused of sex offences led movement that held 'disturbing' services\|author= PA Reporter\|work=The Star\|date=2 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2025-07-02/priest-hosted-scantily-clad-lycra-wearing-followers-at-home-court-told\|title = Former Sheffield priest led ‘extremely disturbing’ services, court hears\|work=ITV News\|date=2 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/reverend-describes-difficult-relationship-nos-31975987\|title = Reverend describes 'difficult' relationship with NOS and Christopher Brain during sex abuse trial\|author=Sophie Corcoran\|work=YorkshireLive\|date=2 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref> On 3 July 2025 the court heard evidence from Bishop Lowe.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/bishop-asked-chris-brain-sex-31987017\|title = Bishop asked Chris Brain about sex with parishioners - and he replied 'I thought it would be double' - trial\|author=Sophie Corcoran\|work=YorkshireLive\|date=3 July 2025\|accessdate=4 July 2025}}</ref> Chris Brain denies all the charges. The trial continues.		\|work=Knutsford Guardian\|date=18 March 2024\|accessdate=18 March 2024}}</ref> On 15 April 2024 Christopher Brain was due to attend Sheffield Crown Court in the afternoon for his plea and trial preparation.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://sheffieldwire.co.uk/index.php/2024/04/15/sheffield-priest-who-led-nine-oclock-service-facing-crown-court-today\|title = Sheffield priest who led Nine O’Clock Service facing Crown Court today\|author=Holly Phillips\|work=Sheffield Wire\|date=15 April 2024\|accessdate=16 April 2024}}</ref> The case was transferred from Sheffield Crown Court to [[Inner London Crown Court]] to avoid the risk of someone connected to the case being known to one of the judges who might hear the case.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/priests-sex-crimes-trial-moved-due-to-potential-links-to-judges-z7mtj033h\|title = Priest’s sex crimes trial moved due to potential links to judges\|author=Sean O’Neill\|work=[[The Times]]\|date=6 May 2024\|accessdate=13 October 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2024/10-may/news/uk/uk-news-in-brief\|title = UK news in brief - Chris Brain trial relocated ‘to ensure fairness’\|author=Hattie Williams\|work=Church Times\|date=10 May 2024\|accessdate=13 October 2024}}</ref> On 30 April 2024 Christopher Brain appeared at Inner London Crown Court and pleaded not guilty to one charge of rape and 33 charges of indecent assault regarding 11 women, all members of NOS. The offences were alleged to have taken place between 1981 and 1995. He was released on unconditional bail and was next due to appear for a case management hearing on 10 June 2024 at the same court (Inner London Crown Court). His trial was set for 30 June 2025 and was expected to last eight to ten weeks.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-68818349\|title = Chris Brain: Sheffield priest denies sex attacks on 11 women\|author=Chris Baynes\|work=BBC News\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2024-04-30/priest-behind-90s-rave-church-denies-sex-offences-against-followers\|title = Sheffield priest Christopher Brain denies sex charges against former followers\|work=ITV News\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/chris-brain-nine-oclock-service-crookes-priest-pleads-not-guilty-to-sexually-abusing-sheffield-congregation-members-4611208\|title = Chris Brain, Nine O'Clock Service: Priest pleads not guilty to sexually abusing Sheffield congregation members\|author= Sarah Marshall, PA Reporter\|work=The Star\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://planetradio.co.uk/hits-radio/south-yorkshire/news/chris-brain-trial-date-set\|title = Priest who led evangelical movement in Sheffield denies sexual offences allegations\|author= Chris Davis-Smith\|work=Planet Radio\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.knutsfordguardian.co.uk/news/24289414.wilmslow-priest-rev-christopher-brain-denies-sex-offences\|title = Wilmslow priest Rev Christopher Brain denies sex offences\|author=Barbara Jordan\|work=Knutsford Guardian\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/nos-rave-church-sheffield-reverend-29088202\|title = NOS 'Rave Church' Sheffield reverend Christopher Brain denies rape and sex attacks\|author=Helen Williams, PA & Sophie Corcoran\|work=YorkshireLive\|date=30 April 2024\|accessdate=30 April 2024}}</ref> On 24 June 2025 the Church of England issued an update on the case.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-news-releases/nine-oclock-service-responding-victims-and-survivors\|title = Nine O’Clock Service, responding to victims and survivors \|author=Church of England\|work=Church of England website\|date=24 June 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref> On 30 June 2025 the trial began with Judge Freya Newbery presiding, and the jury panel was selected.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/crime/christopher-brain-nine-oclock-service-priest-court-case-jurors-trial-5201692\|title = Christopher Brain: Panel of potential jurors chosen in trial of former Nine O’Clock Service priest\|author= ((Margaret Davis, PA Crime Correspondent))\|work=The Yorkshire Post\|date=30 June 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/courts/jury-selected-in-trial-of-ex-sheffield-priest-accused-of-sexually-abusing-13-women-5201948\|title = Chris Brain: Jury panel selected in trial of ex-Sheffield priest accused of sexually abusing 13 women\|author= Sarah Marshall, Crime and Court Reporter\|work=The Star\|date=30 June 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/cheshire-inner-london-crown-court-sheffield-b2779631.html\|title = Panel of potential jurors chosen in trial of former Nine O’Clock Service priest\|author= Margaret Davis\|work=Independent\|date=30 June 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref> On 1 July 2025 the prosecution opened its case. Counsel for the prosecution was Mr Tim Clark KC.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y22jy89vno\|title = Priest abused 13 women in church cult, court told\|author=Chris Baynes, BBC Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Investigations\|work=BBC News\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/courts/evangelical-sheffield-church-cult-leader-chris-brain-assaulted-staggering-number-of-women-jury-told-5204272\|title = Evangelical Sheffield church 'cult' leader Chris Brain assaulted 'staggering number' of women, jury told\|author= Sarah Marshall, PA Reporter\|work=The Star\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://news.sky.com/story/cult-leader-chris-brain-abused-position-to-sexually-assault-staggering-number-of-women-court-hears-13390845\|title = Cult leader Chris Brain abused position to sexually assault 'staggering number of women', court hears\|author= Henry Vaughan, Home affairs reporter and feature writer\|work=Sky News\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/reverend-chris-brain-sheffield-church-cult-b2780121.html\|title = Women dressed in revealing clothes known as ‘Lycra nuns’ kept church cult leader’s home spotless, sexual abuse trial hears\|author= ((Amy-Clare Martin, Crime Correspondent))\|work=Independent\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/crime/article/rave-church-leader-abused-staggering-number-of-women-court-told-8x5rtszqj\|title = ‘Rave church’ leader abused staggering number of women, court told\|work=The Times\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/01/priest-ran-abuse-cult-amid-lingerie-wearing-lycra-nuns/\|title = Priest ‘ran abuse cult surrounded by lingerie-wearing Lycra Nuns’\|author= ((Gabriella Swerling, Social and Religious Affairs Editor))\|work=The Telegraph\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=1 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2025/4-july/news/uk/nine-o-clock-service-leader-chris-brain-s-trial-opens-in-london\|title = Nine O’Clock Service leader Chris Brain’s trial opens in London\|author=Francis Martin\|work=Church Times\|date=2 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=https://anglican.ink/2025/07/01/christopher-brain-trial-begins-in-london/\|title=Christopher Brain trial begins in London\|author= George Conger\|work=Anglican Ink\|date=1 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref> Counsel for the defence was Mr Iain Simkin KC.<ref name="BBC_4_July_2025">{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0q87pxg33wo\|title = Priest 'brainwashed and raped' woman, court told\|author=Chris Baynes, BBC News, Yorkshire\|work=BBC News\|date=4 July 2025\|accessdate=4 July 2025}}</ref> On 2 July 2025 the court heard evidence from witnesses including Dr Mark Stibbe, Rev Marilyn Parry, Rev Robert Warren and Rachel Roberts.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cm2zv6e762lo\|title = Priest concern reports led to rebuke, court hears\|author=Chris Baynes, BBC News, Yorkshire\|work=BBC News\|date=2 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/chris-brain-trial-ex-sheffield-priest-accused-of-sex-offences-led-movement-that-held-disturbing-services-5205822\|title = Chris Brain trial: Ex-Sheffield priest accused of sex offences led movement that held 'disturbing' services\|author= PA Reporter\|work=The Star\|date=2 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.itv.com/news/2025-07-02/priest-hosted-scantily-clad-lycra-wearing-followers-at-home-court-told\|title = Former Sheffield priest led ‘extremely disturbing’ services, court hears\|work=ITV News\|date=2 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/reverend-describes-difficult-relationship-nos-31975987\|title = Reverend describes 'difficult' relationship with NOS and Christopher Brain during sex abuse trial\|author=Sophie Corcoran\|work=YorkshireLive\|date=2 July 2025\|accessdate=2 July 2025}}</ref> On 3 July 2025 the court heard evidence from Bishop Lowe.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/local-news/bishop-asked-chris-brain-sex-31987017\|title = Bishop asked Chris Brain about sex with parishioners - and he replied 'I thought it would be double' - trial\|author=Sophie Corcoran\|work=YorkshireLive\|date=3 July 2025\|accessdate=4 July 2025}}</ref> On 4 July 2025 the court saw a recorded video interview from a woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons.<ref name="BBC_4_July_2025" /><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/woman-says-she-froze-during-150024982.html\|title = Woman says she ‘froze’ during alleged rape by former Nine O’Clock Service priest\|author= Jordan Reynolds, PA\|work=PA Media/Yahoo! News\|date=4 July 2025\|accessdate=4 July 2025}}</ref> Chris Brain denies all the charges. The trial continues.

	== Books ==		== Books ==