A former vicar at a church in Wimbledon has been charged with historic sex offences. 

Jonathan Fletcher, who was vicar at Emmanuel Church between 1982 and 2012, is charged with eight counts of indecent assault and one count of grievous bodily harm. 

The alleged offences took place between 1973 and 1999. 

Fletcher, 81, of Preston Road in Wimbledon, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (July 10). 

The case was sent to Kingston Crown Court in August and Fletcher was released on bail. 

The Diocese of Southwark said: “Jonathan Fletcher retired as minister of Emmanuel Church Wimbledon in 2012. 

“Mr Fletcher has not held permission to officiate in the Diocese of Southwark since 2017 and currently holds no authority to minister in the Church of England. 

“The Diocesan Safeguarding team continues to offer support to those affected by this matter and has liaised with the police in the course of their investigations.” 

A spokesperson for the Met said: "We encourage anyone who has been a victim of abuse to come forward and speak to us. 

“We have specialist officers who will listen and support you through the investigative process. Advice and details of charities that can offer support to victims of sexual offences can be found on the MPS website.”