Catholic Bishop of Northampton charged with rape offences
Written by HFM News on 24th June 2026
The Catholic Bishop of Northampton has been charged with two counts of rape following an investigation by Staffordshire Police.
David James Oakley, who lives in Desborough, has been charged with two counts of raping a girl under the age of 16.
The 70-year-old was arrested in September 2025 after a report was made to police.
Following his arrest, he withdrew from public ministry and took a leave of absence.
Staffordshire Police confirmed Oakley has now been charged following an investigation by its Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team.
He is due to appear at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on 14 August.
