A Sheffield priest who led an evangelical movement will appear in Crown Court today after being charged with 34 sexual abuse charges, Holly Phillips reports.

Christopher Brain, 66, was charged with one count of rape and 33 counts of indecent assault in relation to allegations made by 11 women.

He will face Sheffield Crown Court this afternoon for his plea and trial preparation.

The Reverend first appeared at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Monday 18 March for a four-minute hearing where District Judge Marcus Waite granted him unconditional bail.

Brain, of Park Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, led the Nine O’Clock Service in Sheffield between 1986 and 1995.

The service was held in Ponds Forge sport complex in Sheffield city centre after moving from St Thomas’ Church in Crookes, with the ‘rave-inspired’ church gaining a large following from young worshippers.

South Yorkshire Police investigated the church leader for over four years after a member of the Nine O’Clock Service came forward with claims about the Reverend’s behaviour.

The church’s authorities are carrying out their own investigation into the past leadership of the congregation. They have also been providing support to the group of claimants.