Brain founded the Nine O’Clock Service (NOS) in 1986 in the city of Sheffield. The group sought to bring younger people into the Anglican Church by using contemporary music, multimedia presentations, and alternative forms of worship.

Innovative Church Service Gained National Prominence

Initially welcomed as a model for modern religious outreach, the NOS grew rapidly in popularity during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its services drew large crowds and even garnered attention from broader Church leadership for its unconventional format.

By the mid-1990s, however, the thriving congregation plunged into controversy. In 1995, amid emerging allegations of misconduct, the Church officially shut down the NOS.

It would be years before the claims made against Brain were fully investigated in a legal courtroom. On Wednesday, the Inner London Crown Court delivered its verdict in a criminal case that began decades after the first alleged assaults occurred.

Plaintiffs Describe Long-Term Harm and Betrayal

During the trial, the court heard testimony from multiple women involved in the NOS. Prosecutors stated that Brain used his spiritual authority to exploit emotionally vulnerable members of the congregation for his own purposes.

One woman testified that Brain had taken advantage of her immediately after she had endured a traumatic situation, helping families identify victims of the 1989 Hillsborough stadium disaster. She said she was in an emotionally fragile state when the assault occurred.

The prosecution argued that the NOS gradually transformed from a spiritual community into what they described as a “cult.” They told jurors that “a staggering number” of women attending the service were victims of inappropriate behavior by Brain.

Brain Denies Assault, Claims Consensual Behavior

Throughout the trial, Chris Brain maintained his innocence and denied any wrongdoing. He told the jury that his sexual relationships within the NOS community were reciprocated and voluntary.

He also rebuffed accusations of coercion or manipulation, characterizing the group’s environment as open, supportive, and fun. According to Brain, NOS offered a “free” setting centered on mutual care and shared values.

In rendering their verdict, the jury found Brain guilty of 17 counts of indecent assault. He was also acquitted of 15 separate instances involving similar charges following what his defense team framed as consensual activity.

Church Reacts as Verdicts Announced

In response to the outcome, the Diocese of Sheffield issued a statement acknowledging that the jury had reached a verdict on most of the charges. The Church indicated it would offer further comments once a decision was reached on the five remaining counts.

“The jury at Inner London Crown Court today returned verdicts on 32 of the 37 charges against Chris Brain, comprising guilty and not guilty outcomes in respect of the indecent assault charges,” the Diocese said in a statement.

The remaining allegations under jury deliberation include four more instances of indecent assault and one of rape. Court officials indicated a verdict on those counts could arrive in the coming days.

Wider Impact and Awaited Sentencing

The case marks a sobering fall from grace for a religious leader once praised for connecting with a generation of disenchanted churchgoers. Brain’s sentencing has not yet been scheduled as the court awaits completion of the jury’s deliberations.

While the NOS was disbanded decades ago, the testimony presented during the trial suggests that the legacy of the group continues to affect those who were involved. Survivors of the abuse described long-lasting emotional consequences tied to their experiences.

Legal experts note that the conviction of a former Church of England priest on multiple sexual assault charges also touches on larger issues of accountability within religious institutions. The trial may prompt renewed scrutiny of church oversight practices during the period when NOS was active.