A CATHOLIC priest cleared of fraud has thanked his parishioners for their support.

Father David Clark was cleared of two counts of misappropriating funds by a jury at Basildon Crown Court.

A statement, released on his behalf, stated: “Father Clark is very grateful to the parishioners at both Halstead (St Francis) and Northampton (St Aidan’s) for their support and prayers during what has been a very difficult period. He is looking forward to resuming his clerical and academic duties.

Father Clark added: “I am exceedingly thrilled by the unanimous verdict of the jury; and ever so grateful for the prayers of my parishioners.

Father Clark is a member of the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon but has been serving in parishes in the UK while undertaking research at Cambridge University.

Father Clark was accused of two counts of fraud during his time in charge at St Francis of Assisi Church, in Colchester Road, between 2010 and 2014. However, a jury took just two hours to clear him unanimously of both counts.