A former chaplain to the late Queen Elizabeth II has been sentenced to prison after being ensnared in a paedophile sting operation, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the once-trusted clergyman.
From Royal Service to Police Sting
Reverend Mark Hayter, 68, who previously served as chaplain at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, found himself on the wrong side of the law when he began exchanging messages with what he believed was a 14-year-old boy. The 'teenager' was actually an undercover police officer from the Paedophile Online Investigation Team.
The disturbing exchanges began in December 2023 when Hayter responded to an online profile. Despite being told repeatedly that he was speaking to a child, the former chaplain continued sending sexually explicit messages and images over several days.
A Shocking Downfall
Hayter's position within the royal household made his crimes particularly shocking. Having served as chaplain from 2019 until 2022, he had been responsible for providing spiritual guidance within the very heart of the British monarchy.
Prosecutor Charles Ward-Jackson revealed the grim details in court, stating that Hayter "knew he was communicating with a child and persisted regardless." The messages left no doubt about his intentions, with the clergyman making repeated sexual references and sending explicit photographs.
Justice Served
At Reading Crown Court, Hayter pleaded guilty to attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child. The judge sentenced him to 10 months imprisonment and placed him on the sex offenders register for ten years.
Detective Constable Jack Earl, who led the investigation, emphasised the importance of such operations: "Hayter's actions demonstrate exactly why our teams work to identify those seeking to harm children online."
Institutional Response
The Church of England moved quickly to distance itself from the disgraced clergyman. A spokesperson confirmed that Hayter had been suspended from all ministerial duties following his arrest and would face disciplinary proceedings.
The case has sent shockwaves through both religious and royal circles, raising questions about vetting procedures for positions of trust within sensitive institutions.
Hayter, who now faces the prospect of his ministerial licence being revoked permanently, remains in custody beginning his sentence immediately.
