22 December 2025

Jonathan Fletcher

The Reverend Jonathan Fletcher, the former minister of Emmanuel Church, was due to stand trial in May 2026 on eight counts of Indecent Assault on a man aged 16 or over and one further count of Section 18 Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent.

On Tuesday 2 December 2025 at Kingston Crown Court His Honour Judge Lodder KC, determined that Mr Fletcher, who is aged 83, is not fit to enter a plea. That means that Mr Fletcher will no longer be tried on these charges, to which he had entered a plea of ‘not guilty.’

In place of a trial there will now be an ‘examination of the facts’ hearing, which is expected to take place at Kingston Crown Court on the date previously allocated.

Mr Fletcher retired as minister of Emmanuel Church in 2012 and has not held permission to officiate in the Diocese of Southwark since 2017. Mr Fletcher is not authorised to minister in the Church of England.

We understand that the news that Mr Fletcher is not deemed fit to stand trial will be distressing for those affected by this case, but we hope that the ‘examination of the facts’ hearing will bring some clarity and closure for them. The Diocesan Safeguarding team is continuing to offer support to those affected by this matter – and we ask that people keep them in their prayers.

https://southwark.anglican.org/safeguarding

Emmanuel Wimbledon is committed to high standards in the safeguarding and care of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

In accordance with the Church of England Safeguarding Policy, we are specifically committed to:

• promoting a safer environment and culture

• safely recruiting and supporting all those with any responsibility related to children, young people and vulnerable adults within the church

• responding promptly to every safeguarding concern or allegation

• caring pastorally for victims/survivors of abuse and other affected persons

• caring pastorally for those who are the subject of concerns or allegations of abuse and other affected persons

• responding to those who may pose a present risk to others

Please see the Emmanuel Wimbledon safeguarding policy below for more details.

If you have any concerns or need support, please don’t hesitate to contact any of the following.

Emmanuel Safeguarding Officer: Robert Frazer

Email: safeguarding.officer@emmanuelwimbledon.org.uk

Church Warden: Ian Buchan

Email: ian@ianbuchan.net
Phone: 07843 069765

Church Warden: Claire Stansfield

Email: claire.stansfield@emmanuelwimbledon.org.uk
Phone: 07968 778956

Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor: Michael Browne

Email: safeguarding@southwark.anglican.org
Phone: 0207 939 9441

If you would like support from an external safeguarding body, please click the button below for further contact details.