Priest charged with child abuse (From The Argus)

Priest charged with child abuse

3:08pm Tuesday 8th May 2012 in News By Emily Walker, Chief Reporter

A priest has been charged with child abuse.

The Diocese of Chichester has confirmed that priest Reverend Keith Wilkie Denford and Michael Mytton, worked as an organist in the Lewes area have been charged in relation to allegations of abuse.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Child protection detectives in West Sussex have today, charged two men with sexual offences allegedly committed between 22 and 25 years ago.

"Keith Wilkie Denford, 72, a priest, of Broad Reach Mews, Shoreham, and Michael Mytton, 68, of South Road, East Chiltington, will appear on bail at Mid-Sussex Magistrates court on Tuesday May 22.

"Denford has been charged with three indecent assaults on a boy then under 16, two in or near Shoreham, and one in or near Cuckfield on dates between June 1987 and January 1990, and has also been charged with one indecent assault on another boy then aged under 16 in or near Cuckfield on dates between January 1987 and December 1990.

"Mytton has been charged with one offence of aiding and abetting Denford in the alleged Cuckfield assault on the first of the two boys referred to."

The two men had been arrested on Thursday 3 November last year on suspicion of sexual offences.

A spokeswoman for the diocese said: “We have been cooperating with the police and other related public authorities throughout the investigation, both prior to the arrests and at the present time.

" In accordance with diocesan procedures both men were suspended from all duties immediately upon receiving advice from the local safeguarding authorities.”

If anyone has any concerns about this or any other connected matters please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, Colin Perkins on 01273 421021.