A former Church of England vicar who led an evangelical movement in Sheffield has been found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women. Chris Brain, 68, appeared at Inner London Crown Court accused of sexual offences against 13 women who were members of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS), a Christian worship group active between 1986 and 1995.
The jury convicted Brain on Wednesday of 17 counts of indecent assault but cleared him of 15 other counts. They are still deliberating on four further counts of indecent assault and one count of rape. The NOS, aimed at younger people, was described by prosecutors as a cult where Brain abused his position to control female followers, isolating them from friends and family.
The court heard that a 'homebase team' of women, referred to as the 'Lycra lovelies' or 'Lycra nuns', was set up to care for Brain. Witnesses reported seeing the defendant surrounded by attractive women in lingerie at his home. Prosecutor Tim Clark KC said complainants alleged Brain groomed them and touched them during massages.
Jurors will return to court on Thursday to continue deliberations on the remaining charges.
