A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said a 68-year-old was arrested on 21st November at Heathrow Airport. The spokesperson said: ‘He was taken to a West London police station and was later released on police bail to a date in late January pending further enquiries.’
The news comes just months after Sookhdeo was found guilty of one charge of sexual assault and two charges of intimidating witnesses. A female witness testified to Sookhdeo groping her thigh and breast inside the Barnabas Fund’s offices. Sookhdeo was sentenced to three months house arrest for these crimes. Following these convictions, Sookhdeo remained as a trustee and international director of the charity as the Barnabas board refused to accept his resignation. But in a statement following Sookhdeo’s most recent arrest, the charity said he has now stepped down from all roles within the organisation. The statement read: ‘Dr Sookhdeo founded Barnabas Fund and has led it with zeal, vision and integrity for 22 years. We are immensely grieved that current circumstances oblige him to step down.’
Speaking about his departure, Patrick Sookhdeo said: ‘It has been a privilege to serve the persecuted Church for many years. I have always been motivated by the needs of Christians facing suffering. ‘I hope for many years to come I can continue serving those whom the world often doesn’t notice. My inspiration has always been Barnabas, the encourager, who stood up for the suffering saints of the early Church. Please pray for me, as I pray for others.’
Barnabas Fund works with persecuted Christians across the world. It is currently supporting thousands of believers fleeing Iraq and Syria.
