Anthony Pierce (Image: South Wales Police)
Last Updated: 1 minute ago
South Wales Police is calling on victim-survivors to report abuse carried out by a former senior church figure after three additional allegations emerged following his conviction earlier this year.
Conviction and sentence
Anthony Pierce, 85, from Swansea Vale, who previously served as Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, admitted five counts of indecent assault on a child under the age of 16 when he appeared at Swansea Crown Court in February 2025. He received a prison sentence of four years and one month. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order will also apply to Pierce once he is released, and he has been placed on the sex offenders register for life.
Further allegations
Since Pierce was sentenced, three more people have contacted police to report offences stretching back to the 1970s and 1980s. Those reports are now being investigated.
Appeal to victim-survivors
Detective Inspector Tom Richardson of Swansea CID said: “We know how difficult it must be for anyone to have suffered abuse in the past to come forward now. It was the bravery of the victim who reported Pierce’s actions which was instrumental in bringing him to justice.
“Since the conviction and sentencing of Pierce we have received reports from three people who have taken that first step in coming forward.
“We believe that there may be others who have been subject to Pierce’s crimes and we want to provide reassurance that any reports will be fully investigated and dealt with sensitively and with compassion.
“We recognise that coming forward can be daunting but would encourage victim-survivors to speak with us so they can get the support and help they deserve.”
Anyone affected can contact South Wales Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 2600140999.
