Girl 'was abused in churchyard'

A COURT at the Old Bailey was told yesterday that a young girl was taken to a churchyard each Hallowe'en by three men, then sexually abused in front of a group of adults who wore black cloaks and balaclavas, writes Stephen Ward.

The girl, now 11, is one of seven children who were allegedly victims of sexual and physical abuse by a man aged 67, his daughter, 29, and his two sons- in-law, aged 41 and 31. The offences span 1978 to 1989. The defendants deny 28 specimen charges.

The court was told that all the defendants and all the victims are related. None can be identified to protect the children.

The rector of St Mary's church, Northolt, west London, is to testify that over 10 years witchcraft has taken place in the church at Hallowe'en.

The trial continues today.