8:50am Saturday 5th December 2009
By Neil Macfarlane
A PAEDOPHILE preacher is being investigated over allegations of child abuse committed in the North-East, The Northern Echo can reveal.
Keith Morton is on remand after admitting a string of sex offences against young boys in the Midlands dating back to 2002.
The 43-year-old Methodist preacher was due to be sentenced at Wolverhampton Crown Court yesterday, but the hearing was adjourned after new allegations came to light about his time at a church in Darlington.
US-born Morton, who has been placed on the sex offenders’ register for life, was arrested in July while working as a lay preacher at the town’s Elm Ridge Methodist Church.
Police have questioned him about indecent images found on his computer and alleged sex offences involving three boys under the age of 16 in Darlington.
It is believed that officers found Morton – who during his time in the town lived at an address in Carmel Road – with one of the children when they arrived to arrest him.
No charges have been made as yet. The case was adjourned so that sentencing can include the new offences, if they are proved.
Last night, Elm Ridge’s superintendent minister, the Reverend Philip Clarke, said the church was “shocked and saddened” by the news, and said staff were offering help and advice to concerned parents.
Morton has been sacked and banned for life from working with children in the church.
In a letter sent by Mr Clarke to parents of pre-school and playgroup children in September – obtained by The Northern Echo – he wrote: “We can assure you of the safety of your child while in our care.
“Keith Morton popped into the setting now and again, mainly to meet staff in the kitchen. He was encouraged to read stories and sing songs with the children in the hall, where many staff were on hand.
“As with any volunteer, he was never involved in taking children to the toilet, nor left alone with any child.”
The letter adds: “The Methodist Church nationally and locally takes the protection of children and young people extremely seriously.
“We have robust child protection policies which are properly enforced and our lists of Criminal Records Bureau checked staff and volunteers are constantly updated.
“There may be some details you would like to discuss with me about the current situation and I have said from the outset, and continue to make clear, that I am willing and available for these conversations with anyone who wishes.”
Morton was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and served in the US Army before studying at the University of Florida and Drew University in New Jersey. He moved to the UK in 2000 to work with the church in Tamworth and Lichfield, and moved to Darlington in September 2006 after teaching for a year in Tacho, Czech Republic.
Morton has admitted ten sex offences including buggery, indecent assault and inciting a child to gross indecency, against two boys aged 12 and 13 between 2002 and 2004, when he was serving at a village church in Staffordshire.
Durham Constabulary declined to comment about the case last night.
A trial will take place at Teesside Crown Court if Morton contests any further charges.
A date for the next hearing is yet to be confirmed.
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