Black Country-born Bishop due in court charged with two counts of rape

A Bishop is set to appear in court after being charged with two counts of rape.

Bishop David James Oakley will appear at Cannock Magistrates Court in August to answer the charges, having been arrested in September last year following an investigation by Staffordshire Police.

The 70-year-old, who was born in Stourbridge, is currently the Bishop of Northampton, but had initially withdrew from public ministry and taken a leave of absence late last year.

His status as Bishop of Northampton remains while legal processes proceed.

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: “A man has been charged following an investigation by our Rape and Serious Sexual Offences team.

“Bishop David James Oakley, 70, who is White British, of Desborough, Kettering, has been charged with two counts of rape on a female under 16.

“It follows his arrest in September 2025 following an allegation made to police.

“Oakley is due to appear at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on August 14.”

A spokesman for the Diocese of Northampton said: “The Diocese of Northampton can confirm that Bishop David Oakley has been charged after an investigation into non-recent safeguarding allegations.

“We understand that this will be very distressing for all concerned but cannot comment further on an active legal process.”