MICHAEL MYTTON AND KEITH DENFORD SHOCK LEWES AND SHOREHAM WITH CHILD SEX ABUSE SCANDAL

In a series of disturbing revelations that have rocked the communities of Lewes, Shoreham, and Chiltington, two prominent figures from the local church and musical circles have been convicted of heinous child sexual abuse offences spanning over two decades. The cases, which have exposed a grave breach of trust and a betrayal of the moral responsibilities entrusted to them, have prompted widespread condemnation and calls for stricter safeguarding measures within religious and community institutions.

Keith Wilkie Denford, aged 78, a retired priest formerly associated with the Church of England, was found guilty of abusing two boys over an 18-month period during the late 1980s. The abuse reportedly took place while Denford was serving as the vicar at St John the Evangelist Church in Burgess Hill, West Sussex. The court heard that Denford exploited his position of religious authority to groom and sexually assault the young boys, who were approximately 13 years old at the time. Evidence presented during the two-week trial detailed disturbing incidents, including one where Denford entered a bath with one of the boys while he was aroused, and another where he pressed himself against a boy in an intimate manner, uttering the words, “How nice it is to have a cuddle.”

Judge Paul Tain, presiding over the case at Hove Crown Court, sentenced Denford to 18 months in prison, emphasizing the severity of his breach of trust. The judge stated that “There could be no greater breach of trust than a man playing the role of a man of God,” highlighting the profound impact such betrayal has on victims and the community.

In addition to Denford’s conviction, Michael Mytton, a well-known organist and choirmaster in the Lewes area, was convicted of three counts of indecent assault involving a third boy, who was in his early teens between 1992 and 1994. Mytton, aged 69, was also implicated in a separate incident where he aided Denford in abusing a boy, an event that allegedly occurred in the back of Mytton’s Jaguar following a meal at a restaurant in Cuckfield. Mytton’s past was marred by a previous conviction in 1981 for two counts of gross indecency on a 12-year-old boy, which led to his departure from his position at a church in Uckfield.

During the trial, Mytton denied any sexual activity with the victims but admitted to liking boys, stating, “I like boys. I know I like boys and it has cost me everything.” He also expressed regret over his past actions, acknowledging that his previous conviction was “wrong,” but insisted that he had not repeated such offences. The court heard that Mytton was involved in the church community in East Chiltington and was known for his musical talents, which made the allegations particularly shocking to those who knew him.

The investigation into these cases was initiated after one of Denford’s victims, now in his late 30s, came forward last year, revealing that Denford was still in contact with children despite his age and previous allegations. Further inquiries uncovered a third victim who disclosed suffering abuse at the hands of Mytton between 1990 and 1994, when he was aged 10 or 11. The victim recounted that Mytton once took him to a dinner party as his “plus one,” and described disturbing details, including Mytton sucking his nipples and referring to them as “Mr Lefty” and “Mr Righty.”

Police investigations revealed that Mytton’s history of misconduct extended back to 1981, when he was convicted of gross indecency. Despite these past convictions, both Denford and Mytton maintained denial during police interviews, with Denford claiming the allegations were “lies, absolute lies,” and describing the accusations as “complete fantasy.” Mytton, on the other hand, expressed a conflicted view, stating, “They are lovely… there is so much beauty… as long as you don’t let it take over,” indicating a troubling attitude towards his attractions.

The court proceedings also highlighted the broader context of institutional failures within the Diocese of Chichester, which has been under scrutiny for its handling of child abuse allegations. The conviction of Coles, a retired priest jailed in February for abusing boys in the 1970s and 1980s, underscored the ongoing crisis. The then-Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, issued a statement condemning the abuse and apologizing for the betrayals and failings of the church. The Diocese has since implemented revised safeguarding procedures, but the scars of past misconduct continue to affect victims and their families.

In response to the recent convictions, Bishop Dr. Martin Warner expressed deep regret and assured that disciplinary actions would be swiftly taken against Denford. He emphasized the Diocese’s commitment to learning from past mistakes and ensuring the safety of its congregations. The church leadership acknowledged the pain caused by these betrayals and reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding and protecting vulnerable individuals in their communities.

These cases serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability within religious institutions. The community of Lewes, Shoreham, and Chiltington now grapples with the unsettling reality of trusted figures who exploited their positions for personal and criminal purposes, leaving lasting scars on their victims and challenging the integrity of the institutions they represented.