A former children's home worker and Catholic priest has admitted 27 counts of historical sexual assault committed against children in his care and two counts of perjury.
Philip Temple, 66, of no fixed address, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court today, August 9, where he pleaded guilty to seven counts of non-recent sexual assault.
March 9: Man charged with historic sex assault in Wandsworth children's care homes
He previously admitted 20 other counts of sexual assault and perjury at Croydon Crown Court on August 6.
Temple was employed by Wandsworth Council between 1972 and 1974 and worked at Woking Close and Hertfield House.
He was then employed by Lambeth Council between 1974 and 1977, working at Rowan House in Shirley Oaks, Croydon.
Rowan House was part of the notorious Shirley Oaks Children's Home complex, in Wickham Road, where a paedophile ring operated during the 1970s and 1980s.
Over a five-year period Temple abused male and female victims in the care homes.
He then became a priest and served at Christ the King Monastery, Vita Et Pax in Cockfosters where he abused two alter boys at the church.
One of these victims made allegations that led to two trials during which Temple perjured himself by continually maintaining his innocence.
Temple has since pleaded guilty to perjury in relation to those proceedings.
An investigation was launched by detectives from the Met’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse (SOECA) Command after information was received by officers that implicated Temple in multiple offences. Temple was arrested on July 6 last year.
He appeared at Croydon Crown Court on Wednesday, April 6 where he pleaded guilty to 20 counts of non-recent sexual assault and two counts of perjury.
He pleaded not guilty to five counts of indecent assault.
Temple appeared for trial at Woolwich Crown Court on Tuesday, August 9, where he pleaded guilty to the seven remaining charges.
He is due to be sentenced tomorrow, August 10.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Wingrave, of the Met’s sexual offences, exploitation and child abuse command, said: “Temple was employed to care for the vulnerable children whose trust he betrayed by subjecting them to abuse.
"We take very seriously any allegations of sexual abuse reported to us. If anyone believes they have been a victim I would urge them to contact the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command on 020 8217 6582.
“We have specially trained officers who are here to listen, investigate, and bring offenders to justice. Alternatively you can contact police via 101. In an emergency always dial 999."
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