Ex-Priest and "Rave Church" Founder Convicted of 17 Indecent Assaults

A jury at Inner London Crown Court has found Chris Brain, a 68-year-old former Church of England priest, guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women. Brain, who founded and led the "Nine O'Clock Service" (NOS), an influential evangelical movement in Sheffield during the 1980s and 90s, was acquitted of another 15 charges. The jury is still deliberating on four additional counts of indecent assault and one of rape. The case sheds light on the "cult-like" atmosphere of the NOS, which prosecutors argued Brain exploited to abuse his power and sexually assault a number of women.
The Nine O'Clock Service and the Abuse of Power
The Nine O'Clock Service was initially celebrated for its ability to draw large crowds of young people to its "rave-inspired" gatherings, which featured music and multimedia. However, the prosecution painted a different picture of the group, describing it as a "closed and controlled" environment where Brain, as the leader and an ordained priest, dominated his followers. The court heard that some of the women were part of a "homebase team" tasked with looking after Brain and his family, a group that witnesses referred to as the "Lycra lovelies" or "Lycra nuns." These women were reportedly required to perform household chores and were subjected to sexual abuse. The prosecutor argued that the victims' ability to consent had been removed by Brain's domineering nature and the fear of being ostracized.
The Defendant's Claims and the Verdict
Throughout the trial, Brain denied the sexual assault allegations, though he admitted to having some sexual interactions with a few of the women, claiming these were consensual. He testified that massages he received from some NOS members, which he said were for tension headaches, would "very rarely" evolve into "sensual touching." He rejected claims that he tried to control people by dictating their appearance or friendships. However, the jury, after deliberating for an extended period, ultimately found him guilty on the 17 counts. The verdict on the remaining charges is expected in the coming days. Brain, who resigned from his holy orders in 1995 after allegations about his behavior surfaced, showed no emotion as the guilty verdicts were read out in court.
The Wider Context and Aftermath
The collapse of the NOS in 1995 came amid "enormous media interest" following allegations of inappropriate behavior and a "cult-like" atmosphere. The Church of England has issued a statement acknowledging the difficult time this trial presents for many and has pointed people to support services. The case highlights the long-lasting impact of such abuses of power and the courage of the victims who came forward to give evidence against a figure who once held a position of significant trust and authority. The sentencing for Brain's crimes will be determined after the jury concludes its deliberations on all remaining charges.
Source@BBC