Caldey Island Monk Accused of Sexual Assault, Photo Distribution

A monk on Caldey Island, Brother Titus Keet, 78, faces accusations of sexual assault and harassment, including allegedly giving visitors nude photographs of himself. These allegations were detailed in a BBC podcast titled "Dark Island." Dyfed-Powys Police investigated the claims but took no further action.

Natalie Roberts, a frequent visitor to the island, stated that Keet provided her with photos of himself posing naked on Caldey Island beaches, often accompanied by poems. She reported that he shared similar photos with other women as well. Roberts expressed shock but did not confront Keet, fearing denial and potential expulsion from the island. She also shared that the experience significantly impacted her spiritual beliefs.

Keet, a Dutch citizen, has denied the allegations, attributing Roberts' claims to rejection and what he described as a "vicious" response from a woman feeling frustrated. He suggested the pictures were not sexual in nature but stated he would reflect on his behavior. He also claimed Roberts turned "wickedly against him" after he rejected her advances.

Further allegations involve unwelcome sexual advances towards a former employee of the abbey. It is claimed Keet touched the employee's breasts and bottom, made comments about her body, and referred to her genitals, despite requests to stop. Other accusations include making sexualized comments while showing nude photos of himself and other women. The employee reportedly claimed Keet told her UK law did not apply to him as a Dutch citizen and that he could act as he pleased on the private island. He is also accused of telling the employee she was fortunate to receive his attention and that "women welcomed male attention," warning her that she might lose her job if she complained.

Keet refuted these claims, quoting the Bible and suggesting the employee fabricated them to seek financial compensation from the monastery. He described the allegations as "sad" and "laughable," given their cooperation over three years.

Caldey Abbey's abbot, Father Jan Rossey, confirmed that Keet was required to leave the island in 2024 and is barred from returning. This decision came years after the employee filed a complaint of sexual assault.

Caldey Island has previously faced scrutiny regarding abuse. In 2017, six women settled a civil claim against the abbey concerning child sexual abuse by another monk, Thaddeus Kotik. An independent review published in 2024 found that victims were treated cruelly and that allegations of abuse were frequently not followed up on or reported to the police, which allowed Kotik to abuse children for decades.

The review also highlighted that other offenders had resided on the island. One individual, wanted by police, lived under an alias for seven years before being jailed for possessing child abuse images. While police investigated the abuse by Kotik in 2014 and 2017, they concluded little could be done as he had died in 1992. However, a former head of crime for the force called for a renewed investigation into Kotik's abuse and the presence of other offenders on the island.

Dyfed-Powys Police stated they had followed all appropriate lines of inquiry and had no ongoing investigations related to these matters. Rossey issued an apology, acknowledging past failures in addressing child abuse and commending those who spoke up. He stated that significant changes have been implemented, including new safeguarding measures, a committee involving police and a survivor of abuse, and mandatory criminal record checks for all island residents and workers. The abbey is reportedly committed to transparency and learning from past mistakes.