Diocese bans former priest for life

The Diocese has confirmed Keith Wilkie Denford will be banned from ministerial practice for life.

Denford, of Broad Street Mews, Shoreham, was jailed for 18 months following a three-week trial at Hove Crown Court last April for historic sex offences against young boys.

A statement from the Diocese said: “Following the conclusion of criminal proceedings and a subsequent statutory disciplinary process under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003, sentences of prohibition for life from exercising any functions of ordained ministry within the Church of England have been imposed upon the Rev Keith Wilkie Denford.

“The sentences are imposed under Section 30 of the Clergy Discipline Measure following the respondents’ convictions and imprisonment for a series of indecent assaults, including offences against minors.”

Denford, who is retired, had been a rector at St Andrew’s Church in Tarring in the 1970s.