Queen's Former Verger Accused Of Historic Sex Offences

Accused: McCleester leaving court

The Queen’s former verger appeared in court earlier this week, accused of molesting two boys decades ago.

Clive McCleester, 76, who once served at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Chapel and oversaw visitors to the Queen Mother’s tomb attended Croydon Magistrates’ Court.

McCleester, who lives in the Grade I-listed Hospital of St. Cross almshouse in St. Cross Road, Winchester, Hampshire spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.

He also once worked at Southwark Cathedral and the charges are believed to reflect incidents during his time serving there.

He is charged with eight counts of indecently assaulting the first boy, when he was aged 13 and 14 years-old, multiple times between July 28, 1986 and July 27, 1987.

McCleester is also charged with two counts of gross indecency with the same boy and one count of attempted buggery between the same dates.

He is charged with eight counts of indecently assaulting the second boy, who was aged 13-15 years-old, between January 1, 1968 and December 18, 1970.

One charge relates to over one hundred incidents of alleged abuse and another charge relates to McCleester allegedly molesting the boy on the day of the youngster’s grandmother’s funeral.

While at St. George’s Chapel McCleester organised royal funerals and was responsible for the day-to-day management of the chapel.

He was bailed to appear at Inner London Crown Court on April 25.