A Horror Story Part Two...

Father James Snide had been the beloved priest of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Lewes, Sussex, for over twenty years. Known for his charismatic sermons, tireless community work, gentle demeanour and love of children, he was a pillar of the community. Every Sunday, parishioners filled the pews, hanging on his every word, trusting in his guidance and spiritual wisdom.

In the autumn of 2024, rumours began to circulate. Whispers in the streets, hushed conversations in pubs, and anonymous letters hinted at a dark secret lurking beneath Father Snide's holy exterior. At first, the townspeople dismissed the rumours as malicious gossip. After all, Father Snide had baptised their children, officiated their weddings, and provided solace in times of grief.

However, as the investigation persisted, Sussex Police detective Grace Roy continued to dig deeper. Roy, known for her relentless pursuit of truth, began to piece together a disturbing picture. She discovered that Father Snide had been making frequent trips to various cities across the UK under the guise of church-related duties. Each trip coincided with the disappearance of children from those areas, a pattern too chilling to ignore.

Roy shared her findings with Detective Inspector Nick May of the Sussex Police. With growing suspicion, May authorised a covert investigation. Surveillance and undercover operations revealed a network of individuals linked to Father Snide, all connected to a clandestine organisation called ‘Project Night Watch’, steeped in satanic rituals, child exploitation, kidnap and murder.

The final blow came when a raid on a secluded farmhouse outside Lewes uncovered a hidden chamber adorned with satanic symbols, ritualistic paraphernalia, and damning evidence linking Father Snide to a nationwide satanic paedophile ring. Among the evidence were photographs, videotapes, and detailed records implicating numerous high-profile figures in the church and local government.

The most chilling discovery sent shock waves throughout the nation and the world beyond, leaving Lewes with the unenviable title of the satanic capital of the UK.

30 bodies were dug up from a field, with further human remains found in a makeshift crematorium.

The revelation sent shockwaves through Lewes. Parishioners were in disbelief, grappling with the betrayal of a man they had trusted implicitly. Vigils turned into protests as anger and sorrow swept the community. Families withdrew their children from church activities, and attendance at St. Mary's dwindled to nearly nothing.

Local businesses suffered as the town became a media circus, with journalists and curiosity-seekers flooding the streets. The scandal sparked a nationwide outcry, leading to widespread mistrust of religious and governmental institutions. Lewes, once a serene and tight-knit community, now stood divided and haunted by the shadows of betrayal.

Amid the chaos, Grace Roy continued her investigations, determined to expose every facet of the dark network. Her work led to the arrests of several other key figures, unveiling a systemic problem that had been festering in the shadows for years. Yet, for many in Lewes, the scars remained. The community struggled to heal, relying on new leadership and a renewed commitment to transparency and justice.

Father Snide's trial was swift and decisive. He was sentenced to life in prison, his reputation irreparably shattered. In his absence, St. Mary's began the slow process of rebuilding, led by a new priest dedicated to restoring faith and trust.

Years later, the story of Father James Snide remained a cautionary tale in Lewes, a stark reminder of the duality of human nature and the importance of vigilance. The community, though forever changed, emerged stronger, with a collective vow to never again let darkness hide in plain sight.