Christopher Brain convicted of rape and indecent assaults

Christopher Brain, 69, has been found guilty of rape and four counts of indecent assault by a second jury at Inner London Crown Court. This latest verdict brings his total convictions to 22 sexual offences against 13 women.

Brain led the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS), a Sheffield-based evangelical movement within the Church of England, between 1986 and 1995. Prosecutors described the movement as effectively a “cult” where Brain used a “culture of fear” and his position of power to sexually abuse women. The congregation, which peaked at approximately 500 members, consisted largely of young adults and university students.

Brain, a former member of the Christian rock group Present Tense, was previously convicted last August of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women. He has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at a later date, following impact statements from the victims.