No Canonical Action Against Priest Who ‘Admitted’ To Influencing Family To Withdraw Rape Charges

The Gozo Diocese has decided not to take canonical action against Fr Michael Said despite the priest admitting he influenced a family to withdraw rape charges against the men accused of abusing their 14-year-old daughter.

Gozo Bishop Anton Teuma announced the decision in a video statement on Friday, saying it followed two investigations into the priest's role in the case, which dates back to 2008 but returned to public attention earlier this year.

Teuma acknowledged that Fr Said had influenced the family in a way that led to the criminal case being dropped. He said the parents' original testimony and the priest's signature on the settlement agreement confirmed this.

However, the bishop said the investigations concluded the priest's actions did not amount to intentional pressure and were motivated by concern for the family's wellbeing.

According to Teuma, the family had approached Fr Said because he already had a pastoral relationship with them. He added that although the priest signed the settlement agreement, he neither proposed it nor negotiated the financial settlement.

On the recommendation of two investigative bodies, including the Gozo Diocese Safeguarding Commission, the bishop said there was no need for canonical action. Fr Said has never faced criminal charges and was not accused of participating in the abuse.

The case resurfaced in March after the Court of Appeal confirmed the acquittal of four men charged with the sexual abuse and rape of the girl. The acquittals followed the victim's decision, as an adult, to withdraw the charges after an out of court settlement worth €120,000.

Court evidence also showed that Fr Said acted as one of the intermediaries when an initial €7,000 payment was offered to the victim's family. The family later told the court they had accepted the payment under duress and regretted withdrawing the complaint.

Reacting to the developments, Victim Support Malta said it had taken note of media reports concerning the alleged rape of a minor that was never examined by the courts because, according to the reports, a priest persuaded the alleged victim to accept money intended for "therapeutic care" instead of enduring court proceedings.

The NGO stressed that therapeutic support plays an essential role in helping victims of sexual violence recover but said it can never replace justice. It added that money, influence or private arrangements should never prevent allegations, particularly those involving children, from being heard before the courts.

Victim Support Malta said that when accountability is avoided, those responsible are able to move on without consequences, while victims continue living with the psychological effects of what they experienced. It added that victims deserve both support and justice.

Before announcing his decision, Bishop Teuma said he reviewed the court judgment, examined sworn testimony, considered both investigative reports, met the family, spoke to the alleged victim and held discussions with Fr Said. He said the decision was intended to ensure justice for all those involved.

#MaltaDaily