Catholic Bishop of Northampton charged with two counts of rape
The Bishop of Northampton, who lives in Desborough, has been charged with two counts of rape as part of an investigation by Staffordshire Police.
Bishop David James Oakley, 70, initially withdrew from public ministry and took a leave of absence late last year. His status as Bishop of Northampton remains while legal processes proceed.
A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: “A man has been charged following an investigation by our rape and serious sexual offences team.
“Bishop David James Oakley, 70, who is White British, of Desborough, Kettering, has been charged with two counts of rape a female under 16.
“It follows his arrest in September 2025 following an allegation made to police."
In a statement on behalf of the Diocese of Northampton, a spokesman said the situation would be ‘very distressing for all concerned’.
The spokesman said: “The Diocese of Northampton can confirm that Bishop David Oakley has been charged after an investigation into non-recent safeguarding allegations.
“We understand that this will be very distressing for all concerned but cannot comment further on an active legal process.”
Bishop David Oakley is due to appear at Cannock Magistrates Court on August 14.