Corpun file 7224

Evening News, London, 28 September 1948

Hit Choirboys: Vicar fined £20

'Merely Horse-play,' Court is Told

"Evening News" Correspondent

A VICAR who took down the trousers of two choir boys and smacked them pleaded guilty at Liverpool to-day to four summonses for assaulting the boys.

He was the Rev. William McMillin Watt, aged 42, Vicar of All Saints, Toxteth Park, Liverpool, and he was fined a total of £20.

Mr. M.A. Reece, pleading for leniency, said the vicar had an excellent record and his acts were due merely to horse-play. There was no suggestion of improper behaviour.

The Bishop of Liverpool, Dr. Clifford Martin, said the vicar had an unblemished character and was highly respected.