A Catholic priest has been sentenced to 19 months in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a drunken businessman at his church house in Renfrewshire. Canon Stephen Baillie, 61, who had served as a priest for over three decades, attacked the victim at the chapel house of St Joseph's Church in Clarkston following a night out together in June 2024.
Details of the Assault
The trial at Paisley Sheriff Court heard that the victim was physically sick after Baillie attempted to perform a sex act on him. The court was told that the man was intoxicated and unable to consent at the time of the assault. The victim had agreed to go to the church house to call a taxi, and Baillie had offered him more alcohol before the attack.
Background of the Offender
Baillie, a first-time offender, had previously served as a parish priest at St John's Church in Barrhead, Renfrewshire. His defence lawyer highlighted his good work over the years and pleaded for a non-custodial sentence. However, Sheriff Eoin McGinty emphasised the severity of the crime.
Sentencing and Consequences
Sheriff McGinty sentenced Baillie to 19 months in prison and placed him on the sex offenders register for ten years. The judge noted the many letters of support for Baillie but stated: 'The fact is your victim was sexually assaulted in a number of ways over a period of time. We heard from his long-term partner about the effect your attack has had upon him. The only appropriate sentence is one of imprisonment.'
Church Response
A spokesman for the Diocese of Paisley confirmed that Baillie had not exercised ministry since November 2024, when he was arrested over the matter.
