Hadleigh rector Martin Thrower arrested on suspicion of voyeurism

The Very Rev Martin Thrower

The Very Rev Martin Thrower, 55, is rector of Hadleigh with Layham and Shelley. He is also Dean of Bocking and Rural Dean of Hadleigh.

His wife, Pauline, has issued a statement saying that her family was supporting him with “unconditional love” following his arrest.

Mr Thrower was arrested on August 4. He was not charged – but he has been bailed to return to the Police Investigation Centre in Martlesham in October.

John Howard, spokesman for the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, said: “I can confirm that The Very Rev Martin Thrower, Rector of Hadleigh, Layham and Shelley, and also rural dean of Hadleigh, has been arrested by Suffolk Constabulary for voyeurism.

“He has been suspended from all offices within the diocese until further notice. We have made arrangements to look after his church duties and to offer support to his parishes at this difficult time.

“We will make no further comment while the police investigation is ongoing. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with everyone affected by this situation.”

Mrs Thrower’s statement said: “It is with great sadness that we find ourselves in the situation we are now in. Whilst this has come as a shock to us as a family we are all supporting Martin with unconditional love at this difficult time.”

Mr Thrower has been rector of Hadleigh since 2009 and leads a team that have been doing a great deal of work in the local community.

His desire to update St Mary’s in Hadleigh attracted some controversy three years ago when he announced plans to remove many of the pews to create a more flexible space.

The Victorian Society objected to the plans, but after getting permission from the church authorities this work was carried out – leading to the church being used much more by a wider variety of groups.

One of these is the Porch Project for youngsters from 11 to 20 who meet there twice a week for leisure activities.

Although it is backed by St Mary’s and meets there, it is a separate organisation and supports 300 youngsters in a town where there have been criticisms in the past of a lack of activities for young people.

At the time of the controversy over the pews Mr Thrower said: “Churches weren’t built with pews in – they were built to be the community space, to have the market in and host big meetings and we have an aspiration to return the building to being the true parish church.”