BARRY MCKAINE CHURCH MINISTER FROM NEW MALDEN AND PUTNEY JAILED FOR TAKING NUDIE PICS OF TEEN BOY

In March 2007, a disturbing case emerged involving Barry McKaine, a minister at the Vineyard Church operating in the areas of New Malden and Putney. McKaine, aged 42 and married, was convicted and subsequently sentenced to prison for engaging in a highly inappropriate and illegal act involving a teenage male member of his congregation.

According to court reports, McKaine took advantage of his position of trust within the church community to exploit a young boy. The incident began when the teenager was caught smoking, drinking alcohol, and viewing soft pornography. McKaine, instead of addressing these issues appropriately, chose to conceal the boy’s behavior from his parents, offering a false sense of confidentiality.

Later, McKaine approached the teenager with an unusual proposition. He asked if the boy would consider modelling for a photography project, claiming he was enrolled in a photography course and needed some nude shots for his coursework. The minister suggested a fee of £100 for the photographs, which the boy agreed to, perhaps out of curiosity or pressure.

In September of the previous year, the boy arrived at McKaine’s residence in Sandhurst Avenue, where the minister’s setup was already prepared with a camera and tripod. The court heard that the boy expressed discomfort about posing nude, citing concerns over losing his dignity. McKaine responded insensitively, telling him, “You’ve probably already lost it,” referencing the boy’s earlier misconduct.

Despite the initial intent, McKaine’s actions were quickly recognized as inappropriate and criminal. On the same day the photographs were taken, he deleted all images from his device and confessed his misconduct to John Mumford, the senior leader at Vineyard Church. Following this confession, McKaine was suspended from his duties at the church, and the church authorities promptly contacted law enforcement authorities to report the incident.

The Vineyard Church, established in America in the 1970s, is known for its evangelical stance and has attracted notable figures such as singer Bob Dylan. The local branch in south-west London, where McKaine served, has a congregation of over 400 members. The church operates from an office on Blagdon Road in New Malden and holds services at rented venues, including Elliott School in Pullman Gardens, Putney, and the Community Church in Werter Road, Putney.

John Mumford, speaking on behalf of the church, stated that a thorough police safety check was conducted when McKaine was employed. He emphasized the church’s serious stance on the matter, saying, “We have treated this matter extremely seriously. Staff and members of the church have naturally been saddened by this situation and we have continued to seek counsel throughout, while also providing support for the family.”

McKaine, who resides on Sandhurst Avenue, has two adopted children aged 10 and five. After a six-month investigation, social services confirmed that it was safe for the children to remain in his care. Nevertheless, McKaine was banned from working with children and was placed on the sex offenders register. He received a six-month jail sentence, with an expectation that he will serve approximately three months.

During the trial, the defence, represented by Nicholas Dunham, argued that McKaine’s past experiences of childhood abuse and his tendency to view adult pornography during stressful times contributed to his actions. Dunham stated, “When he’s depressed, he would access adult pornography. He has no idea how the incident happened, but he had a genuine interest in photography, which he wanted to develop, added to the interest in pornography.”

Regarding the possibility of McKaine returning to the church community, John Mumford expressed a cautious openness, saying, “In broad terms, of course anybody is welcome to the church, because that is the business we’re in. However, there would need to be certain safety guards in place. We would take advice from the Churches’ Child Protection Advisory Service. We are in the business of forgiveness, but clearly we have a responsibility to protect the people in our care.”

The court classified the photographs as level one, indicating the least serious category, as no sexual activity was involved. However, Judge Nicholas Jones emphasized that the breach of trust was significant and justified the jail sentence, citing the premeditated nature of the crime and its element of sexual grooming.