In autumn 2018 and after two attempts at what was described as mediation – but which were in fact nothing more than requirements for the Dean to leave without any face-to-face discussions taking place – the Censors decided to make their move. A complaint was laid against the Dean of conduct that was ‘immoral, scandalous or disgraceful, incompatible with the duties of the office or employment’, in accordance with the language of the Statutes. He was suspended, pending a tribunal.
Several months after the Dean’s suspension, and having allowed it to hover over him during that time, Christ Church clarified that the charge against him did not involve any sexual impropriety.