Former Archbishop of York accused of covering up allegations of Church of England abuse

Lord Hope was made aware of accusations against the former Dean of Manchester, Robert Waddington, in 1999 and again in 2003

Sexual abuse claims against a cleric in the Church of England were not referred to police by a former Archbishop of York, David Hope, it was alleged today.

According to The Times newspaper Lord Hope of Thornes was made aware of accusations against the former Dean of Manchester, Robert Waddington, in 1999 and again in 2003.

Waddington was stripped of his right to conduct church services but Lord Hope did not report concerns to police or child protection agencies.

The allegations relating to an Australian school pupil were reportedly put to Lord Hope in 1999 and a subsequent allegation relating to a Manchester Cathedral choirboy was made in 2003. Mr Waddington, who died in 2007, denied the allegations.

Lord Hope said today he "strongly resisted" allegations that he was involved in a 'cover-up' and insisted he acted in line with the child protection policy within the church at the time.

He told the Times: "I didn't report to the police. With hindsight, probably there ought to have been [a report]. He was in such a fragile and frail state."

Greater Manchester Police told The Times they were concerned the church had not chosen to report the case to its detectives while Mr Waddington was alive.