A deacon at Alexandra Road Congregational Church in Hemel Hempstead has been convicted of non-recent sexual offences.
Michael Toms, 61, was sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty at Chelmsford Crown Court in September.
He was convicted of one count of rape, six counts of indecent assault, and two counts of indecency with a child. He was acquitted on two further counts of indecent assault.
The offences took place between 1979 and 1983, when Toms was aged between 15 and 19 years old. The two girls involved were aged between 12 and 13.
Alexandra Road Congregational Church is affiliated to the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches, and also to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches.
In a statement the church said, ‘We are grieved over Mike Toms’ offending, and are concerned for the victims of his crimes – we pray that they may know justice, healing, and the Lord’s comfort.’
