PARISHIONERS have slammed church bosses for allowing a paedophile to continue as a lay preacher and choirmaster for six months after being arrested on child porn charges.

Vincent Copeland, who was arrested on November 19, admitted three charges of possession of indecent images of children in court this week.

But parishioners say the 60-year-old, who called himself Anono Mus on Facebook, had an active role at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Leigh Road, Leigh, even after he was charged on June 1.

The church’s hierarchy has repeatedly refused to say what they knew and why a man with a self-confessed interest in children was allowed to give communion and lead the choir.

Described as a “public servant” at his court hearing, Copeland, also of Leigh Road, left his posts as school governor at Our Lady of Lourdes and St Thomas More schools soon after his arrest.

He was also booted off Southend Council’s children and lifelong learning scrutiny committee and resigned as a magistrate about a month before being charged.

The Echo made several attempts to contact Brentwood Diocese, which oversees the church, but received no reply.

A message was left with Monsignor Canon Kevin Hale at the church but no reply was received.

When The Echo visited the presbytery, our reporter was told Canon Kevin Hale was in, but he was “too busy” to speak about Copeland.

Parishioners say perverted Copeland, who admits posing as a 14-year-old boy in online chats, led a service at the church the day after he was charged.

A parent whose children went to both Our Lady of Lourdes and St Thomas More schools said: “I’m absolutely disgusted with the church.

“Others also believe it’s disgusting and can’t believe it. It’s no wonder people are leaving the church in droves. There is no longer any trust and we’re very disheartened.

“We’ve heard nothing from the schools. Nothing from Tommy More’s where I know he took a French class there with boys aged 13 and 14 in October.

“He was chairman of governors at Our Lady of Lourdes School for three or four years, then he was an ordinary governor.

“This man had so many hats in the community. He was even on the children’s scrutiny committee at the council.”

James Courtenay, Southend councillor responsible for children, said: “As soon as we received notice that allegations had been made against Mr Copeland, we put our well-rehearsed procedures into place and ensured that any ties he had with schools and children's services were immediately suspended while the police conducted investigations.

“We continue to offer our professional support to any schools, teachers and pupils affected by this case.”

Copeland will be sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court later this year.