Obsessed Parishioner Banned From Church for Seven Years After Relentless Harassment of Cornwall Vicar

Cornish Vicar Granted Seven Year Restraining Order After Parishioner's Relentless Harassment Campaign

A vicar in West Cornwall has been granted a seven year restraining order against a parishioner who subjected him to a two year campaign of harassment described by a judge as "relentless, remorseless and repeated."

Reverend Karsten Wedgewood, the Priest in Charge of St Just in Penwith parish and chaplain to the local police, endured years of unwanted contact from Kay Carpenter, a 62 year old trained teacher from Trewellard, Pendeen.

Truro Crown Court heard that Carpenter sought greater involvement in the church, wanting to become a lay reader or officer. Rev Wedgewood explained that such appointments required approval from the Parochial Church Council and suggested she volunteer by making coffee, baking cakes, or cleaning as a way to get to know the congregation. Carpenter felt these roles were beneath her.

What followed was a prolonged campaign of late night emails, persistent requests for meetings, and uninvited visits to the vicar's home. The situation escalated to the point where the Diocese installed CCTV at Rev Wedgewood's property.

It was clear these conversations were going in endless circles. I did not want to prevent her from worshipping. But I didn't want to talk to her.

Reverend Karsten Wedgewood told the court.

In June 2024, Carpenter visited the vicar's home despite explicit warnings not to contact him. Rev Wedgewood described having to physically remove her from his doorstep, admitting he "used my foot and made contact with her stomach or hip area" to close the door.

Carpenter was originally charged with obstructing or assaulting a clergyman in a place of worship. The prosecution offered no evidence on that charge and she was acquitted. However, Recorder Christopher Quinlan KC ruled that the facts amounted to harassment and imposed the restraining order upon acquittal.

The order bans Carpenter from any contact with Rev Wedgewood, from visiting his home, or from attending any of the three churches in the Pendeen area for seven years. Breaching the order could result in up to five years in prison.

I just want to get on with my job and my life.

Rev Wedgewood said after the ruling.

Carpenter told the court she "should have ceased the communication" but maintained she was "not a threat" and was only "trying to build bridges."

Judge Rules Parishioner's Two Year Stalking Campaign Against Cornwall Vicar Warrants Seven Year Ban

Defence solicitor Sophie Johns represented Carpenter, while prosecutor Ian Graham presented the case for the Crown. Rev Wedgewood cares for approximately 5,000 parishioners across his parishes.

The judge noted that the vicar had been left "breathing a sigh of relief" whenever Carpenter failed to attend services, and said her conduct had "both alarmed and caused Rev Wedgewood distress."

The Crusader's Opinion

A man of God should never have to install CCTV cameras on his own home just to feel safe from someone in his own flock. This vicar endured two years of relentless harassment while trying to shepherd his congregation of 5,000 souls. He asked for nothing more than to be left in peace to do his job.

The court got it right with a seven year order, but let us not lose sight of the bigger picture. Clergy across the West face increasing hostility, and the institutions meant to protect them often move too slowly. When a priest has to physically remove someone from his doorstep, the system has already failed him. Protect our pastors. They cannot serve if they are under siege.

Take Action

• Pray for Reverend Wedgewood and his family as they recover from this ordeal, and for his continued ministry in Pendeen.
• If you witness harassment of clergy in your parish, report it immediately to your diocesan safeguarding team. Find your diocese at www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding.
• Support clergy wellbeing through organizations like Sheldon Community, which provides retreat and renewal for exhausted ministers.
• Consider supporting www.TheShepherdsShield.org to help protect Christian leaders facing persecution and threats.
• Talk to your church leadership about safeguarding policies. Every parish should have clear procedures for handling harassment and protecting clergy.