Sussex clergyman found guilty of child abuse

A SUSSEX clergyman has been found guilty of sexually abusing two boys. On 5 April 2013 the Rev. Keith Wilkie Denford (78) and his codefendant, chur ch organist Michael Mytton (69), were found guilty following a threeweek trial at Hove Crown Court of molesting boys under the age of 16.

While serving as vicar of St John the Evangelist Church in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, Mr. Denford committed and indecent assaults on two boys between June 1987 and Januar y 1990. He was found not guilty of a thir d charge of indecent assault against the first boy. Mr. Mytton was convicted of three counts of indecently assaulting a boy under 16 in the Newick ar ea between 1990 and 1994. He was found not guilty of one count of aiding and abetting Mr . Denford.

After the verdict was handed down the Bishop of Chichester, Dr Mar tin War ner, stated: "I note the ver dict r eached by the Court today and we will now move swiftly to implement our own disciplinar y procedures following this verdict in the case of Mr Denford.

"The Diocese fully acknowledges the suf fering caused both to sur vivors of abuse and their families. We deeply regret the betrayal of tr ust in the context of public pastoral ministry and we extend our prayers and suppor t to those caught up in the events highlighted by this case.

"The Diocese has learned many lessons from past cases and continues to do so. Our safeguar ding procedures have been revised and updated and I am committed t o ensuring that ever y person is safe in our chur ch communities."

The case has been adjour ned for sentencing to 2 May 2013 and the defendants remain on bail meanwhile.