Chris Brain, a former leader of a Sheffield-based evangelical group, has been convicted of multiple indecent assaults committed during his time at the helm of the religious movement.

According to BBC, Brain, 68, was found guilty of 17 charges involving nine women, highlighting a long-standing abuse of power during his leadership of the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) in the 1980s and 1990s.

Brain led the NOS, a religious collective that emerged in Sheffield in 1986 and gained popularity for its nightclub-style worship, eventually attracting hundreds of followers. Due to its growing influence, the Church of England expedited Brain's ordination in 1991.

The group became known for its dramatic presentation, including purchasing vestments once worn by Robert De Niro in the film “The Mission” for Brain to use during religious services. Eventually, the congregation grew so large that services were moved to the Ponds Forge leisure center in the city.

While the NOS appeared innovative, prosecutors stated that it devolved into a cult-like structure in which Brain wielded disproportionate control, allowing him to exploit women under the guise of religious leadership. Several of the women assaulted were part of the so-called “homebase team,” assigned to manage domestic tasks for Brain’s family.

Homebase Team And Cult Allegations

These women, who were also referred to by names such as “Lycra lovelies” or “Lycra nuns” within the community, were often seen wearing lingerie at Brain’s home, according to witness accounts presented during trial proceedings.

Prosecutors told the court that Brain used his spiritual and social status to manipulate these women, requiring them to perform chores and, in some cases, engage in unwanted sexual acts. Assaults were said to take place during supposed massage sessions that Brain claimed were meant to relieve physical stress.

Brain defended the massages as being casual and “between friends,” stating that any sensual contact was consensual and nothing more than routine comfort among close colleagues. However, victims described these encounters very differently, reporting that they felt controlled and obligated to participate against their will.

Legal Proceedings And Court Verdicts

A jury at Inner London Crown Court found Brain guilty on 17 counts of indecent assault. He was acquitted on 15 other similar charges. The panel remains in deliberation regarding four further counts of indecent assault and one accusation of rape.

The former priest, who now resides in Wilmslow, Cheshire, displayed no visible reaction as the verdicts were announced in court. Deliberations on the remaining charges are expected to continue when the jury reconvenes on Thursday.

Prosecutor Tim Clark KC explained that the alleged assaults were not isolated incidents but were part of a pattern facilitated by Brain’s unchecked authority over members of the group. He emphasized that the homebase team had been established for Brain’s benefit and left members vulnerable to abuse.

Group Collapse And Public Revelation

Concerns over Brain’s actions began to surface in the mid-1990s, eventually leading to the dismantling of the NOS by church officials in 1995. That same year, Brain publicly acknowledged having engaged in inappropriate sexual activities with multiple women in a BBC documentary.

He relinquished his priestly status just two days before the program aired, amid mounting scrutiny and internal investigations. The documentary served as the first major public confirmation of the abuse many women within the movement had endured.

At trial, the prosecution portrayed this resignation as calculated and aimed at avoiding deeper institutional repercussions. While the Church of England had initially fast-tracked his rise, Brain’s departure was abrupt as institutional support began to unravel.

Women Speak Out About Control And Abuse

The accounts provided by victims portrayed Brain’s conduct as deeply embedded in the social fabric of the NOS. Many said they felt honored to be close to the leader until the nature of their involvement became increasingly uncomfortable and manipulative.

Some of the women described feeling pressure to comply due to Brain’s spiritual authority and the cult-like culture that had taken root. Performative loyalty and obedience were often tied to one’s spiritual standing within the community.

In court, witnesses recalled scenes from inside Brain’s family home, where he was reportedly often surrounded by women in revealing clothing. These conditions, the prosecution argued, demonstrated how the structured environment facilitated repeated abuse.

Awaiting Final Verdicts In Ongoing Case

Although a portion of the charges has been resolved, the court is still assessing additional allegations that include a serious charge of rape. These remaining decisions will significantly shape the legal conclusion of this extended investigation.

Victims and observers alike await the outcomes as the jury prepares to resume deliberations later this week. Legal experts have noted that the ongoing attention underscores the wider implications of unchecked power within religious institutions.

The case adds to a growing list of instances where religious figures have faced legal action for misconduct committed under the guise of faith-based leadership.