Priest Convicted of Sexual Assault at Church Residence
A Roman Catholic priest has been warned he faces imprisonment after being convicted of sexually assaulting a man at his church residence.
Father Stephen Baillie, formerly the parish priest at St Joseph's Church in Clarkston, East Renfrewshire, committed the abuse following a night out with the victim.
Baillie, who has served as a priest for 36 years, denied the single charge against him. However, a jury at Paisley Sheriff Court found him guilty, and he was cautioned that he faces jail time when sentenced next month. The Diocese of Paisley confirmed that Baillie has been removed from his position as a parish priest.
Baillie was granted bail pending sentencing.
The sheriff emphasized the necessity of obtaining background reports since Baillie is a first-time offender and noted that the typical sentence for such an offence involves a "pretty lengthy" term of imprisonment.
Sheriff McGinty stated he would permit Baillie to organize his affairs before sentencing.
Additionally, Baillie has been placed on the sex offenders' register, with the duration to be determined at sentencing.
'Unable to consent'
Baillie has served in churches located in Eaglesham, Clarkston, Paisley, and Greenock.
During the trial, it was revealed that the victim became physically ill after Baillie attempted to perform a sexual act on him following a night out in June 2024.
The assault occurred while the victim was "heavily intoxicated and unable to consent."
The incident took place after the two shared a bottle of wine over dinner at a restaurant in Clarkston and consumed drinks at a bar before proceeding to Baillie's residence on Eaglesham Road.
The victim informed the jury that he had agreed to go to the house to call a taxi, and Baillie offered him additional alcohol.
He described that Baillie performed several sexual acts on him while at the residence, including during a moment when the victim said he needed to leave to get some air.
At one point, the victim vomited and was assaulted while attempting to clean himself.
Church Action
A statement issued on behalf of the Diocese of Paisley referred to Baillie as "a former priest of the diocese."
The statement indicated that the offence was reported directly to Police Scotland by the complainant and that the diocese was not contacted prior to the police investigation.
"As the complainer was not identified as a child or vulnerable adult, the case does not fall within the church's safeguarding procedures as defined under national safeguarding policy,"
the statement added.
"The diocese nevertheless recognises that the conduct established in court represents behaviour incompatible with the standards expected of ordained ministry and commends the courage of those who came forward to report the matter and participate in what has been a long and painful process."
The statement further noted that a "canonical process" is underway to determine subsequent actions and that Baillie has been removed from his role as parish priest following his conviction.
"The diocese continues to work to foster a culture of care, through a shared commitment to creating and sustaining safe church environments,"
the statement concluded.
