Former Priest Chris Brain Guilty of 17 Indecent Assaults Sheffield

Chris Brain, the 68-year-old former leader of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS), an evangelical movement in Sheffield from 1986 to 1995, has been found guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault against nine women. The jury at Inner London Crown Court has acquitted him of 15 other charges but is still deliberating on four additional counts of indecent assault and one charge of rape. Prosecutors described the NOS as a cult-like group where Brain abused his authority, exerting control over female followers, including a 'homebase team' known as the 'Lycra nuns' who cared for Brain and his family and were subjected to sexual exploitation. Brain admitted to some sexual interactions but claimed they were consensual, denying allegations that he controlled victims’ behavior or isolated them from friends and family. The NOS was initially praised for attracting young people with its nightclub-style services but dissolved in 1995 amid growing concerns about Brain's conduct. The case continues as the jury resumes deliberations on the remaining charges.