See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy TOM LAWRENCE, NEWS REPORTER Published: 18:48 BST, 24 June 2026 | Updated: 18:48 BST, 24 June 2026
A catholic bishop has been charged with two counts of raping a girl under the age of 16.David James Oakley, the Bishop of Northampton, was arrested in September last year following an investigation.The 70-year-old is due to appear in Cannock Magistrates' Court on August 14. It followed an investigation into 'non-recent safeguarding allegations' at the Diocese of Northampton.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the diocese said: 'We understand that this will be very distressing for all concerned but cannot comment further on an active legal process.'Staffordshire Police said in a statement: 'A man has been charged following an investigation by our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team.'Bishop David James Oakley, 70, who is white British, of Desborough, Kettering, has been charged with two counts of rape a female under 16.'It follows his arrest in September 2025 following an allegation made to police. Oakley is due to appear at Cannock Magistrates' Court on 14 August.' David James Oakley, the Bishop of Northampton has been charged with two counts of raping a girl under the age of 16In a statement issued on Wednesday, the diocese said: 'We understand that this will be very distressing for all concerned but cannot comment further on an active legal process.'Staffordshire Police said in a statement: 'A man has been charged following an investigation by our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team.'Bishop David James Oakley, 70, who is white British, of Desborough, Kettering, has been charged with two counts of rape a female under 16.'It follows his arrest in September 2025 following an allegation made to police. Oakley is due to appear at Cannock Magistrates' Court on 14 August.'
