GEORGE GILFORD FROM LIVERPOOL SENTENCED FOR CHILD SEX ABUSE AT ST OSWALD'S CHURCH

In a case that has shocked the community of Liverpool, George Gilford, a clergyman with deep ties to the city, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for the sexual abuse of two young boys over two and a half decades ago. The offences took place between September 1972 and January 1976, a period during which Gilford was serving as the choirmaster and organist at St Oswald’s Church in Netherton, Liverpool.

At Liverpool Crown Court, Judge Nigel Gilmour, QC, addressed the court and the gathered supporters of the defendant, emphasizing the gravity of Gilford’s actions. The judge pointed out that Gilford had repeatedly indecently assaulted one of the boys over a span of two years, describing this as a serious breach of trust. “His parents could not have imagined what was happening to their son when they entrusted him to your care,” Judge Gilmour stated.

The second victim, with whom Gilford admitted to committing only one offence, was particularly vulnerable. The boy confided in Gilford that he was suffering from severe sexual abuse at the hands of his own father. The judge highlighted the betrayal involved, noting, “He trusted you and confided in you. It was a particularly terrible betrayal of trust. The awful truth is that that boy was being systemically abused in a serious way by his own father, the details of which defy belief.”

At the time of the offences, Gilford was actively involved in church life in Liverpool. He was a respected figure, later becoming a successful teacher and being ordained as an Anglican priest in 1991. At the time of his arrest last October, Gilford, aged 51 and residing on Alexandra Road in Waterloo, was a non-stipendiary minister at St Faith’s Church in Crosby and St Mary’s Church in Waterloo. He also served as the director of music at St Margaret’s Church of England School in Aigburth Road, Aigburth, Liverpool.

Gilford pleaded guilty to two charges of indecent assault against the first boy, who was 12 and 13 years old at the time, and to gross indecency with the second boy, aged 12. However, he denied additional charges of indecency involving the second boy and an allegation of indecent assault against another choirboy aged 14, which were laid on the court’s files.

The court was told that Gilford’s conduct occurred during his tenure at the church, and that he had been suspended from his duties since his arrest. Despite the serious nature of the crimes, the judge acknowledged the positive testimonials about Gilford’s character, some of which he found moving. “There is impressive material showing that for the last 20 years you have acted impeccably and been a good counsellor and friend to children and adults and earned the respect and friendship of others. For many years you have also cared for your ill brother,” Judge Gilmour remarked.

Nevertheless, the judge made it clear that Gilford’s actions had irreparably damaged his reputation and career. “These offences were committed at a time when you were immature,” he said. The judge also ordered Gilford to sign the Sex Offenders Register for ten years but did not impose a ban on working with children after his release, expressing a belief that further offences were unlikely. Gilford showed no visible emotion during the sentencing, which marked a significant and somber chapter in Liverpool’s ongoing efforts to address abuse within its community institutions.