Monk Escapes Legal Action After Sending Hundreds of Nude Beach Photos to Holidaymaker
A Catholic monk who dispatched hundreds of explicit nude photographs of himself on a beach to a female holidaymaker has successfully evaded criminal prosecution. Brother Titus Keet, aged 77, transmitted approximately 200 images to Lisa Love during her visit to Caldey Island, located off the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales.
Prosecutors Rule Photos Were 'Spiritual' and Not Sexual
Keet was apprehended by law enforcement in September 2024 and was believed to have subsequently departed the island, which has a notorious history of sexual offences, for Belgium. However, the Crown Prosecution Service has now announced it will not pursue any charges against the monk, asserting that his pictures were of a spiritual nature, according to reports from the Daily Mail.
Ms Love, a 55-year-old mother of two, expressed profound disgust at the verdict, accusing the CPS of showing preferential treatment due to Keet's religious standing. She vehemently questioned the decision, stating, 'Tell me where in the Bible it says to prance around naked on a beach.'
Long-Standing Friendship Turns Disturbing
The victim had been vacationing near the island's abbey since 2011, often accompanied by her elderly parents. She initially met Keet fifteen years ago and developed a friendship, but became alarmed when he began sending letters and messages containing indecent photos of himself exercising on beaches.
Despite assurances from the monastery that Keet had been disciplined following her complaint, the monk persisted in sending the photographs. Ms Love pursued the matter with police, only to be informed by prosecutor Sandra Subacchi that the CPS would discontinue proceedings, citing 'nothing sexual' in their relationship.
Monk Admits Naivety but Defends Photos as 'Art'
Keet conceded he had been 'naïve' but maintained that the images were not sexually motivated. He characterized them as 'art' intended to showcase 'my body in the light.'
Island's Troubled History of Abuse Resurfaces
Caldey Island has been mired in scandal following revelations that over 50 children were abused at the abbey during the 1970s and 1980s. These disclosures prompted a review that recommended a 'no touch' policy between monks and visitors, with some victims receiving minimal compensation.
Ms Love has submitted a claim under the victims' Right to Review scheme, seeking justice for her ordeal.
Survivors' Campaign Condemns Police and CPS Actions
The Caldey Island Survivors' Campaign has criticized police for failing victims and rendering the holiday destination unsafe. Chair Kevin O'Connell stated, 'They just don't care. They are outdated and not professional enough to deal with historic and modern sexual allegations. If any other person that was not a monk sent those pictures they would be before a judge.'
The CPS has declined to comment on the case while proceedings remain active, leaving the victim and advocacy groups in a state of frustration and disbelief.
