More than 2,000 people have signed a petition for the reinstatement of a priest who was cleared of any wrongdoing after abuse allegations were made against him. Fr Paul Morton was removed from St Bride’s parish, Cambuslang, in the Diocese of Motherwell, and asked to take “administrative leave” following anonymous allegations last October.
In April he was cleared by police of any wrongdoing. A statement issued by Fr Morton’s four brothers and two sisters said: “On hearing the details, it was quite clear that Paul had been the victim of an unwarranted and incomprehensibly malevolent act perpetrated by a malicious individual. “Our family wish to make clear for the public record that, with the dismissal of the allegation, Paul has been completely exonerated. His innocence, which he has maintained from the beginning, has finally been confirmed ... At no time was he charged with any offence and the police inquiry is now officially ended.”
